This impacts case study shows how our demonstration of the need for a more effective, coherent and consistent approach to cross-government collaboration helped motivate action to strengthen the role and improve the effectiveness of the centre of government.
It is one example of financial or non-financial benefits realised in 2014 as a result of our involvement, all of which are set out in our interactive PDF.
Impacts case study
Our work on cross-government studies over a number of years had identified failings by the centre of government collectively to act in an effective, coherent and consistent way. In reports on various topics, we showed how this led to failures to integrate cross-cutting programmes and poor value for money.
What are impacts?
Because of our 2014 report on the centre and the subsequent Committee of Public Accounts evidence session, the government produced its first high-level statement on the role of the centre, which emphasised the need for close collaboration between the Cabinet Office and the Treasury. In addition, the new Chief Executive for the Civil Service is developing a new approach based on stronger cross-cutting functions. The 2014 Autumn Statement package included a clearer statement than ever before about the need for a more coherent centre to work closely with departments to achieve the transformation needed to reduce costs further.
