29 March 2010
The outgoing chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee has told Whitehall it could save billions of pounds without touching frontline services by stripping out bureaucracy, adopting more professional project management and learning from its mistakes.
Edward Leigh, who has led the PAC since 2001, will be stepping down as chair at the election.
In an open letter to his successor, published today, Leigh draws on 420 PAC reviews of government departments and initiatives.
He concludes: ‘Any government can save billions by stripping out whole swathes of bureaucracy… without threatening one bit the front lines of our public services.’
And he emphasises that while some of the 1,000-plus civil servants he has taken evidence from have been in full command of their work and serious about their responsibilities, many have been less impressive.
‘We have had more who demonstrate that Sir Humphrey is alive and kicking, talking at length but saying little,’ he says.
Leigh’s letter recommends a series of changes, including improving Whitehall’s project management and procurement skills, and using information and evidence more thoroughly. Leigh also urges government bodies to learn from their mistakes, and to crack down on waste through fraud and error.
Under regulations coming into force at the beginning of the next Parliament, the PAC chair will have to be selected from the opposition party – a rule that has long been traditional but not mandatory.
Leigh’s successor will also serve for a maximum of two Parliaments, under the new system.
