The UK government is drafting a radical blueprint to reform the state, including significant cuts to civil service jobs and a crackdown on quangos (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations). The plans, dubbed “Project Chainsaw,” aim to streamline public spending, reduce duplication, and give ministers more direct control over key areas such as housing and healthcare. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged his cabinet to stop “outsourcing” decisions to regulators and quangos, emphasizing the need for a more efficient and effective government.
The proposals include restructuring NHS England, merging or abolishing over 300 quangos, and potentially folding bodies like Homes England into government departments. Thousands of civil service jobs are expected to be cut, with underperforming officials offered incentives to resign and senior staff facing performance-related pay. The reforms are part of a broader efficiency drive, with initial plans to cut over 10,000 civil service roles and potentially thousands more through redundancies.
The thinktank Labour Together, which has close ties to the government, is contributing to the plans, drawing inspiration from libertarian reforms in Argentina under President Javier Milei. The proposals also include controversial measures such as abolishing or merging government departments, further planning reforms, and exploring ways to fast-track infrastructure projects like a third runway at Heathrow.
The government has already taken steps to reduce regulatory burdens, including abolishing the Payment Systems Regulator and integrating its functions into the Financial Conduct Authority. Chancellor Rachel Reeves criticized the current regulatory system for stifling innovation and growth, while Starmer accused the previous government of hiding behind regulators and allowing stagnation.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential impact on public services and the civil service workforce, with unions warning against treating civil servants as a “political punchbag.” However, the government insists the reforms are necessary to create a more agile and effective state that prioritizes economic growth and delivers on its promises.
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