Monday 21 March 2022

Rishi Sunak announces efficiency measures to save £5.5bn

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a new efficiency crackdown to stop £5.5 billion in wasteful spending.

A new ‘Efficiency and Value for Money Committee’ will be chaired by the Chancellor to ensure the 5% efficiency target set last year is met across government.

The government has stated that the £5.5 billion saved from this measure will be put straight back into public services such as the NHS.

The digitisation of frontline services, energy efficiency measures and splitting of emergency and elective care in hospitals will see a heavy decrease in excess spending.

The Chancellor commented: “During these challenging times, it’s vital that every single penny of taxpayers hard-earned cash is being spent well.

“The current level of waste across government is simply not acceptable – which is why we’re doubling down on wasteful spending and launching an efficiency drive to make £5.5 billion worth of savings.

“That money will then be pumped directly into the world class public services that the British people deserve. The crackdown will also see a review of the government Arm’s Length Bodies or “Quangos” who will be expected to save at least £800m from their budgets.”