UK Government launches taskforces to reform civil service and tackle cost of living

The UK Government has announced the creation of three new cross-government taskforces within the Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet to address pressing community issues. Led by First Secretary of State Louise Haigh, these initiatives aim to tackle the cost of living, the renewal of local communities, and the public ownership of essential services.

One specific focus involves a Cost of Living Taskforce, which will examine structural issues impacting household finances, such as energy bill affordability and consumer rip-offs. Additionally, the government introduced the OneGov Delivery Agency to streamline state functions. This agency will oversee government recruitment, civil service pensions, shared services, and security vetting.

The move has drawn criticism from Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart, who characterized the OneGov Delivery Agency as a ‘massive new quango’ that could result in ministers losing direct control over important decisions. In response, Louise Haigh stated that the central civil service is expected to shrink as part of a broader commitment to devolution and reducing ‘red tape’ through more efficient government operations.