UK Slashes Consultant Spending by 14% After Brexit and Pandemic Boom

The UK government has cut its spending on external consultants by 14% in the past year. This follows a period of sharply rising costs. Spending had grown significantly in recent years. Major events like Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic increased the demand for specialist advice. The new figures show a clear effort to reduce this reliance. All major government departments reported lower consultancy costs. The Cabinet Office stated this is part of a plan to build internal skills and improve value. A government spokesperson said, "We are committed to using taxpayer money efficiently. While specialists are sometimes necessary, we are strengthening our own civil service expertise." Analysts note that high spending on consultants has often attracted public criticism. This reduction may signal a shift in how the government manages large projects and policy changes.