Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the 10 Downing Street press release entitled PM hands mayors share of income tax to make lives better in every postcode, published on 30 July 2026, whether there is a (a) headcount target for the Civil Service and (b) timetable for the Civil Service to become smaller.

Our plan to rewire the state devolves power and decision making to put local areas in control of their own public services and economic growth. As mayoral strategic authorities assume new responsibilities, central Civil Service functions will adjust accordingly.

We will ensure the Future Civil Service retains the right capabilities to deliver national priorities, operating alongside regional partners without central duplication. This will mean a smaller and more strategic Civil Service, focused on the challenges that can best be dealt with at a national level. We believe this represents an opportunity for the Civil Service to adapt and learn through greater interchange with regional and local government, becoming more porous and working together to deliver better outcomes for the citizens we serve. We will set out more details on our proposals to rewire the state later this autumn.