Yvette Cooper Launches ‘DOGE’ Stlye Unit to Eliminate Home Office Waste

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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has established a new cost-cutting unit modeled after Elon Musk’s efficiency drive in the U.S., aiming to root out wasteful spending within the Home Office. The ‘DOGE’ division—short for Department of Government Efficiency—has already begun freezing contracts that are deemed an unnecessary use of taxpayer money.  

 

Inspired by Musk’s approach to streamlining the U.S. civil service, the unit will scrutinize every expenditure, with a particular focus on curbing the use of external consultants. One of its immediate targets is the practice of holding costly ‘away days’ at hired venues. A government insider revealed that such events, like a recent Home Office gathering in an extravagant central London ballroom, would likely be banned. “We have a lot of spaces the Government owns across Whitehall. These can be used instead of spending money on hiring external venues,” the source said.  

 

The DOGE unit is set to meet weekly to review all proposed contracts, rejecting any that appear excessive. It is headed by Home Office minister Lord Hanson and former Gordon Brown adviser Damian McBride, known for his no-nonsense approach to government spending. The unit was formed after Cooper discovered the department had allocated £3 million over three years for digital graphics and filming from a Soho-based PR firm, along with £100,000 for leadership training from Deloitte. Insiders said these planned contracts were “the last straw,” prompting Cooper to halt both immediately.  

 

The Home Office’s efforts to cut spending align with broader government financial pressures. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing shrinking fiscal headroom ahead of the upcoming Budget, increasing the likelihood of public-sector cuts. Departments are under mounting pressure to find savings, and the Home Office is no exception.  

 

Lord Hanson has already conducted two spending reviews that identified millions in savings, which have since been redirected to support neighborhood policing. Previously, only contracts exceeding £5 million required ministerial approval. However, under the new system, all contracts, regardless of value, must be signed off by the DOGE team. Sources confirmed that the unit held its first meeting last Wednesday.  

 

One of its key priorities is ending the use of external headhunters for departmental hiring, as well as preventing managers from excessive year-end spending to exhaust remaining budgets. A government source explained that Lord Hanson is determined to curb this habit, stating, “We are living in fiscally straitened times. We are trying to drive much better planning and management.”  

 

Labour MP Jake Richards, a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, backed the initiative, saying, “It’s right the Home Secretary is getting a grip so that more money can be directed towards the Government’s plan for more police and secure borders.”  

 

As the government braces for potential cuts, the DOGE unit’s mission is clear: eliminate waste and ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently, with a focus on delivering frontline services rather than funding unnecessary extravagances.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail  2025-02-17

 

 

[RayWright]

Cameron did the same trick in 2010 after he won the General Election, however due to not having a full majority went into partnership with Nick Clegg.

As part of a cost saving initiative, any expenditure in both Government and Local Government over £50,000:00 needed Cabinet Approval. 

Remember as a project team having to negotiate with Danny Alexander (Chief Secretary to The Treasury) to get permission to buy a new phone system.

Admittedly this was controlling new expenditure, however it needs the approach of Musky's bovver boys to address the mine field of existing contracts and services that are unnecessary. 

Wonder if Cooper's findings will put a stop to 2Tiers jet setting lifestyle!

[roquefort]

Labour belatedly discovering fiscal prudence. Musk is truly a trailblazer.