Civil Service Reform 2025-06-05
2025-06-05
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Centre for Economics and Business Research report suggested the UK may need 92,000 more public workers by 2030 due to productivity falls. Reports indicate a potential 10% civil service headcount cut by the end of the decade.
Many of my Chelmsford constituents are civil servants who travel into London most days to perform their jobs. A report revealed the UK may need 92,000 more public workers by 2030 due to productivity falls in the sector. However, the Cabinet Office has refused to comment on reports that the Government plan a 10% cut to civil service headcount by the end of the decade. Will the Minister confirm today whether a 10% cut to civil service headcount is planned and if any of that will take the form of compulsory redundancy?
We are not targeting a reduction in civil service headcount but aim for productivity improvements from civil servants. We do not have a target for headcount reduction, unlike what was attempted under the previous government, which did not work. Our focus is on reducing administrative and overhead costs while working with civil servants to achieve these goals.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny a 10% cut but focused on productivity improvements instead of headcount reduction
We Are Focusing On Productivity Rather Than Headcount
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Waiting lists have been a persistent issue in the National Health Service (NHS). The questioner seeks information on how the Cabinet Office is collaborating with the Department of Health and Social Care to address this issue.
How is the Cabinet Office working with the Department of Health and Social Care to bring down waiting lists, not just in Blackpool but across the UK?
We have reduced waiting lists by approximately 200,000 since the election. Our aim was for two million extra appointments in the first year; we achieved three million instead, and the period is not yet over. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Health and Social Care on this matter.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy