In addition to these reductions, the Department’s spending plans currently assume further workforce savings of £2.5 billion over the 10 years to March 2031.52 The Department told us that plans had not yet been drawn up to achieve these reductions, and they will be subject to agreement in the next spending review.53 In terms of wages, the Department admitted it does not know how it will afford the pay rises likely to be required as a result of higher inflation and wage growth in the wider econ...

In addition to these reductions, the Department’s spending plans currently assume further workforce savings of £2.5 billion over the 10 years to March 2031.52 The Department told us that plans had not yet been drawn up to achieve these reductions, and they will be subject to agreement in the next spending review.53 In terms of wages, the Department admitted it does not know how it will afford the pay rises likely to be required as a result of higher inflation and wage growth in the wider economy in the next few years. The Department told us it was looking at a range of options, and now has pay freedoms to recruit more highly skilled staff, pa Type: conclusion | Number: 24 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: 4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: Autumn 2022 4.2 The department recognises the importance of managing risks to affordability, particularly from challenges in areas such as workforce and estates. 4.3 The EP