Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Nigel Mills and Edward Leigh

Thursday 7th December 2017 Commons Chamber

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Of course I will pass that request to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The hon. Lady is right: although police forces have successfully reduced costs since 2011, the report that I mentioned has recommended that the Home Office works with other bodies to develop better information on the health of police services and early warnings of when a force might fail. Her question is apposite.

[Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con)]

4. What comparative assessment he has made of the operating costs of the National Audit Office and auditing bodies in other countries.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

The NAO is continually looking at how it can save money. The most recent audited financial accounts show that the NAO has reduced its net resource costs by 21% in real terms against its 2010-11 baseline. That is even while taking on a much greater role in local government at the request of Parliament.

[Nigel Mills]

I am grateful for that answer. I have no doubt about the great work that the NAO does as our spending watchdog, but what more can my hon. Friend do to be assured that it is cost-effective itself?