Fact Check: "Only 1.2 billion of 13 billion needed can be saved by cutting consultants!"
What We Know
The UK government has announced new measures aimed at reducing consultancy spending across Whitehall, with a target to save over £1.2 billion by 2026. This initiative was highlighted in the Autumn Statement, where officials indicated that departments are already on track to save £550 million in the current financial year (source-1). The controls include requiring ministerial approval for consultancy contracts exceeding £600,000 or lasting longer than nine months, and for contracts over £100,000 or lasting more than three months, approval from the relevant permanent secretary is mandatory (source-2).
The government aims to halve consultancy spending in future years, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance efficiency within the Civil Service and ensure better value for taxpayer money. The framework for consultancy services has been revised, reducing its total value from £5.7 billion over four years to £1.7 billion over two years, aligning with these cost-cutting goals (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that only £1.2 billion can be saved by cutting consultants is supported by the government's own statements regarding their new controls on consultancy spending. The measures outlined indicate a clear intention to reduce unnecessary expenditures significantly. The £1.2 billion figure is not arbitrary; it is a calculated target based on expected savings from the implementation of these controls.
However, the claim's context regarding the total savings needed—suggesting a figure of £13 billion—is not substantiated within the provided sources. The focus of the government's announcement is specifically on the £1.2 billion target, with no mention of a broader £13 billion context. This raises questions about the accuracy of the comparison being made in the claim.
The sources used for this analysis are credible, as they originate from official government announcements and reputable news outlets. The information is consistent across both sources, reinforcing the reliability of the claim regarding the £1.2 billion savings target. The emphasis on ministerial oversight and the reduction of the consultancy framework's value further supports the government's commitment to achieving these savings (source-1, source-2).
Conclusion
The claim that "only £1.2 billion of 13 billion needed can be saved by cutting consultants" is True in the context of the government's stated aim to save £1.2 billion through new controls on consultancy spending. However, the reference to a broader £13 billion savings requirement is not substantiated by the available evidence. The government's measures are designed specifically to achieve the £1.2 billion target by 2026, making the claim accurate regarding the specific savings figure.
