Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to Spending Review 2025: Departmental Efficiency Plans, published on 11 June 2025, whether there is an overall headcount target for the size of the Civil Service from 2026-27 to 2028-29.

We have set out plans to reduce back office costs by 16% over the next five years, delivering savings of over £2.2 billion a year by 2030 and targeting spending on front line services.

Each department will take a decision on its individual size and shape as per the financial settlements that have now been agreed with HMT in the Spending Review.

These plans will take a whole workforce approach based on the cost of civil servants, Contingent Labour, Consultancy and Managed Services.