UK Government Orders Civil Service to Cut £2 Billion by 2030

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce significant cuts to the UK civil service, requiring reductions of over £2 billion annually from administrative budgets by the end of the decade. Departments will need to cut these budgets by 10% by 2028-29, followed by a further 15% the next year, targeting back-office functions like human resources and communications while protecting frontline services. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and redirect resources towards essential public services, although unions warn that such cuts could impact the overall effectiveness of civil service delivery. The FDA union has expressed concern that these measures could lead to job losses, as nearly 10% of the civil service's salary bill may be affected. Cabinet Office sources emphasized the necessity of these changes to align with the government's fiscal rules and ensure sustainable governance. The formal instructions for these cuts are expected to be communicated to departments shortly.