The world has changed in the short time between the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget Reports in 2007 and 2008. In October 2007, he described an economy continuing to grow strongly and a Government meeting its strict fiscal rules setting out priorities to support sustainable growth and prosperity. But by November 2008, in the wake of the worst global financial crisis for a generation,he announced a doubling of the national debt (in part) to fund a £20 billion short-term boost to the economy in an attempt to reduce the depth and longevity of the current recession.

Whilst those in the private sector continue to weather the brunt of the storm with failed businesses, job losses and an unpredictable future, the public sector also faces its toughest challenges to date.

The efficiency savings required within the Comprehensive Spending Review have been raised a further £5 billion to £35 billion. The number of those needing support to find work is rising quickly, just as the availability of jobs is in rapid decline.

Changes to tax, VAT and benefits required almost immediate implementation. Perhaps the most challenging of all, the pace at which change is now required far exceeds normal public sector planning cycles.

The Gershon Efficiency Programme delivered £26.5 billion against a target of £21.5 billion during the 2004 to 2007 period through improved procurement,back-office efficiencies, automated transactions and reduced headcount.

The 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review takes these measures further in the period to 2010 and the Operational Efficiency Programme and the Public Value Programme aim to identify further measures for inclusion in CSR10 and beyond.

Atos Consulting’s team provide insight and guidance on what to do in the face of the challenges ahead in the areas of procurement, transforming services, back-office and IT efficiency and focused programme delivery.