In order to operate effectively, Government Departments need access to a range of back-office functions such as human resources and payroll. Since 2004, the government has attempted to centralise these functions to cut the cost of services and improve the consistency of data. The latest strategy published in 2021, led by the Cabinet Office, was allocated £1.15bn in funding from HM Treasury.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has investigated the current and previous iterations of the government’s strategy to consolidate back-office functions. In its 2023 report, the PAC warned that the longer it takes for government to get on top of the situation, the greater the impact will be in ongoing cost to the taxpayer. It called for the Cabinet Office to address funding uncertainties, develop a complete and consistent picture of costs and benefits, and start monitoring overall progress of the government’s Shared Services Strategy.
A report from the National Audit Office (NAO) published in March 2026 warned there are some fundamental issues which continue to jeopardise delivery of this strategy. The NAO found that a lack of centralised oversight and leadership was likely to mean the strategy would not be delivered on time or within budget. Proceeding from the NAO report, the PAC will take evidence from witnesses including senior DSIT and UKRI officials on progress in implementing the 2021 strategy.
The call for written evidence has now closed.
Please note that the Committee’s inquiry cannot assist with individual cases. If you need help with an individual problem you are having, you may wish to read the information on Parliament’s website about who you can contact with different issues.