Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason it is the Government's to lift the Civil Service headcount cap that had been announced by the previous administration; and if she will make an estimate of the cost to the public purse of this policy.

This government moved away from capping civil service headcount to an approach that ensures departments consider overall value for money in resourcing decisions.

To this end it has introduced of a 2% target for reduction to administration budgets in financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26 and a stop to all non-essential spending on consultancy, with an aim to halve spending in future years.
This government has also committed to developing a long-term strategic plan for a more efficient and effective civil service, including bold options to improve skills, harness digital technology and drive better outcomes for public services.

Decisions relating to the cost of the civil service workforce will be considered as part of the Spending Review process. HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office will work closely with departments to develop plans that achieve the government’s reform objectives for the civil service.