71st Report - Government’s use of external consultants
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 1521
11 March 2026
Government response
Treasury Minutes: Government response - 71st Report - Government’s use of external consultants
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Cabinet Office, from HM Treasury, and from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, about government departments’ use of external consultants.1
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. If a supplier is identified as a top ten supplier in any one of these categories, all other spending with that same supplier in the remaining two categories must also be reported, even if that spending would not otherwise place the supplier in the top ten for those other categories.
HM Treasury
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20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Workforce planning ensures that organisations have the right level of staff for their needs, with...
Conclusion
Workforce planning ensures that organisations have the right level of staff for their needs, with the necessary skills and capabilities. Getting workforce planning right helps organisations carry out their operations effectively so that they can achieve their objectives and priorities. …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation on the importance of workforce planning, stating that the Civil Service Strategic Workforce Plan is currently under review and being reworked to incorporate technology and AI, with publication intended as soon as this work is complete by Summer 2026.
HM Treasury
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22
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Cabinet Office told us that, for the first time, government is developing multi-year strategic...
Conclusion
The Cabinet Office told us that, for the first time, government is developing multi-year strategic workforce plans for the civil service. The Cabinet Office has directed departments to provide five-year forecasts outlining the skills and capacity required to develop their …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation, stating that the Civil Service Strategic Workforce Plan is currently being reviewed and reworked to incorporate technology and AI, with an intent to publish it as soon as possible by Summer 2026.
HM Treasury
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