Reform UK's Civil Service Cut Plan Calls for More Planner Reductions Than Existing Staff

Reform UK's policy paper “Storm and Sunshine”, authored by MP Danny Kruger, proposes a 13 % cut to civil-service full-time equivalents. The plan targets communications, human resources, planning, occupational psychology and security roles, aiming to save £5 billion annually.

The Guardian

It calls for 450 planning-officer cuts (saving £40 million), yet data show only 445 planners, a third work for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. It seeks to eliminate 930 occupational psychologists—90 % of the 1,390 in prisons and probation—saving £60 million. Additionally, 2,500 security posts—about a quarter of the workforce—would be removed, saving £150 million. Combined, the cuts are presented as delivering £5 billion in yearly savings.

The Guardian

Reform’s spokesperson said the 440 planning inspectors in the proposal are separate from the broader planner count, stating “Our number stands.” The spokesperson claimed that “Prisons will be much safer places to work under a Reform government and working conditions for prison officers will be greatly improved.” The party did not disclose which departments would bear security reductions.

The Guardian

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood (Labour) called the plan “not worth the paper it is written on” and warned it would “slash security staff who protect sensitive sites and cybersystems, while gutting psychological support in our prisons.” He described the proposal as unfeasible and suggested it would become a source of conflict for Reform.

The Guardian

The plan proposes cutting 450 planning officers despite only 445 planners, creating a numerical inconsistency. No explanation is offered for how the Planning Inspectorate would continue its workload after such cuts. The specific security departments targeted for reductions remain undisclosed, leaving the impact on defence and foreign-office functions unclear.

The Guardian

• “Our number stands.” — Reform spokesperson

The Guardian

• “Prisons will be much safer places to work under a Reform government and working conditions for prison officers will be greatly improved.” — Reform spokesperson

The Guardian

• “This is yet another of Reform’s policies that isn’t worth the paper it is written on.” — Mike Wood, Shadow Cabinet Office minister

The Guardian

• “Not only does their plan propose cuts to teams larger than the number of people employed in them, it would also slash security staff who protect sensitive sites and cybersystems, while gutting psychological support in our prisons.” — Mike Wood

The Guardian

• “The report calls for a reduction of 450 FTEs in planning, accounting for £40m a year.” — Reform policy paper “Storm and Sunshine”

The Guardian

Parliament is expected to debate the plan in the session. Labour and civil-service unions have signalled intent to request detailed evidence on operational impacts. Reform UK says it will adjust the proposal based on stakeholder feedback.

The Guardian