MPs Criticize New Office for Value for Money as Ineffective and Redundant

A Treasury Committee report questions the purpose, staffing, and oversight of the newly established Office for Value for Money, launched to improve government spending efficiency.

The Treasury Select Committee has labeled the Office for Value for Money (OVM) as poorly defined, understaffed, and lacking a clear plan to measure its effectiveness.
The OVM, introduced in October's budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, aims to ensure efficient public spending but faces criticism for potential duplication of existing government efforts.
David Goldstone, the OVM's chair, is contracted for only one year, working one day per week at a rate of £950, raising concerns about the unit's capacity to achieve meaningful results.
The committee highlighted that the OVM currently has only 12 full-time staff, falling short of the promised 20, and lacks transparency on its operational costs and use of consultants.
MPs have called on the Treasury to clarify the OVM's goals, publish details on its collaboration with other departments, and establish methods to evaluate its effectiveness.