Topical Questions

In a statement delivered in the House of Commons, the minister outlined the government's plans to address the £22 billion black hole in the public finances that they have inherited. The minister emphasized that rectifying this situation will require tough choices, and the government will be clamping down on egregious spending. One of the key measures announced is the plan to halve government spending on consultancy, which is expected to save £500 million next year. The minister highlighted that the use of consultancy services has been on the rise across various government departments over the past four years, with significant increases of 55% at the Department for Transport, 137% at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and a staggering 416% at the Home Office. The minister criticized the previous government's handling of taxpayers' money, stating that the excessive spending on consultancy has contributed to the high tax burden and the poor state of public services. The minister pledged to treat taxpayers' money with respect and to fix the foundations of the economy, with the aim of rebuilding Britain and making working people better off. Overall, the minister's statement outlined the government's commitment to addressing the financial challenges it has inherited, with a focus on reducing consultancy spending and ensuring a more responsible and efficient use of public funds.