Green reveals e-Borders consultancy levels

Figures released by Green in a parliamentary written answer reveal that in 2005-06 the ratio of consultants to civil servants was 2:3. In 2006-07 this rose to three consultants for every four civil servants, before dropping to 3:5 the following year. Green said that in 2008-09 and 2009-10 the figures were the same for 2005-06, with two consultants per civil servant. For the first three months of 2010-11 the ratio was lower, at 2:4. "The ratio of consultants and contractors to civil servants in 2010-11 is anticipated to fall further to 1:4 by October 2010," said Green. At the Trade Unions Congress this week the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) will be calling for an end to "wasteful spending" on consultants in the civil and public services. A PSC report , published on 12 September 2010, setting out the case against public spending cuts says that the government spent £1.8bn on private sector consultants last year, but could get better advice and ideas by engaging with staff.