Chancellor launches 'Spending Challenge' website

The Treasury said the public will be able to post ideas on the site about "how to get more for less from our public services" during July and August 2010. In addition to the website, Osborne and other ministers will take part in seminars and visits across the country designed to hear the views of citizens about how public spending should be cut. The website was initially only made available to public sector workers, but after receiving more than 60,000 suggestions in two weeks the department decided to open it up to the wider public on 9 July 2010. Opinions posted on the site on the day of its national launch include: • "Why do we use have two lamp post next to each other instead of one? Seen quite a few near me." • "Reduce MP's (including ministers) salaries by 50%... Build hostel accommodation for MPs in Westminster (no second homes)." • "Sack town criers. It is a nice idea, but a complete waste of money." • "Put sofas in all the city centres in the UK, then get people to sit on them. Every week collect all the money that falls down the back of them to pay off the national debt." Spending Challenge closely follows Nick Clegg's launch of the Your Freedom website on 1 July 2010 which invites the views of the public on legislation and civil liberties.