Recommendation 21

Written evidence we received highlighted that government has faced long-standing challenges in developing and retaining core skills, and recommends not only building up civil service capability and capacity where skills are repeatedly needed but also providing training in the effective use of consultants.42 The Cabinet Office told us that it plans to shift resources and capacity from back-office functions to frontline delivery, meaning the Cabinet Office intends to make greater use of civil service capacity and capability. These plans are presented alongside the spending reduction targets.43