Recommendation 2

HM Government Acknowledged

The Office of the Prime Minister and wider Cabinet Office work closely together, and draw on the same finance, HR, technology and business services. The Cabinet Office supports the Prime Minister and ensures the effective running of the Government. It is also the corporate headquarters for the Government, in partnership with HM Treasury, and takes the lead in certain critical policy areas. 10 Downing Street is the official residence and the office of the British Prime Minister. The office helps the Prime Minister to establish and deliver the government’s overall strategy and policy priorities, and to communicate the Government’s policies to Parliament, the public and international audiences. The Cabinet Secretary is both a direct adviser to the Prime Minister, and serves the Cabinet as a whole through the system of Cabinet Government. The Cabinet Secretariat, a distinct part of the Cabinet Office, fulfils this role on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary. Careful consideration has been given to the role and structure of the Cabinet Office in the last year. This has led to the establishment of a new Delivery Unit in No10, which drives progress across the Prime Minister’s priorities. Within the Cabinet Office, a new Government Strategic Management Office (GSMO) has been set up to drive the Government’s planning. There is, of course, scope for further consideration of the issues raised by the committee. The Government is always looking for ways to better improve systems, organisation and delivery across Whitehall.