We questioned whether the government’s plan to save £500 million on operating costs by 2025 was ambitious enough, noting that it only represents approximately a 2% reduction.55 Cabinet Office officials told us the target was a cautious one and that it might be able to save more. It explained that department officials had spoken to government organisations and were confident that £500 million could be saved from specific initiatives, including efforts by the GPA and the Department for Work and Pensions.56 It was possible that other government bodies, such as the NHS, might also be able to generate additional savings. The Cabinet Office also pointed out that it had recently revised the government’s facilities management requirements. The Cabinet Office expects the new requirement to lead to improved contracts and, given that facilities management accounts for £8 billion per year, some significant additional savings.57 54 Q 97 55 Q 96; Government Property Function, Government Property Strategy: 2022–2030, 13 56 Q 95 57 Qq 96 - 97 Managing central government property 15