Chancellor Rachel Reeves Proposes 15% Cut to Civil Service Budget, Targeting 10,000 Job Reductions

Rachel Reeves aims to cut over £2 billion from the UK's Civil Service budget by 2029-30, seeking substantial savings in light of growing financial pressures. Chancellor Pat McFadden will direct all government departments to reduce administrative costs by 15% over five years, a move that unions warn could result in significant job losses. Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, emphasized that these cuts would hinder the Civil Service's capacity to provide essential services to the public. The government's plans involve reducing the number of civil servants while also launching a new digital service designed to simplify tax processes for working parents.