Listen
Efficient government targets
31/10/2008
The Scottish Government has exceeded its efficiency targets according to figures published today.
The final outturn report for the 2005-08 efficient government programme shows savings of more than £1.7 billion against a target of £1.5 billion.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said:
"During difficult times for families and business across Scotland, the Scottish Government is delivering better value from our fixed budget to maximise investment in delivering the high quality services people demand and deserve.
"We took over the Efficient Government programme on coming to power and it is encouraging to see that it has over delivered.
"It is crucial to remember that efficiency savings are about delivering the same quality services at better value for the tax payer. The savings involve better procurement, streamlining processes and better use of resources.
"Money freed up by these savings across the public sector has already been reinvested in public service priorities.
"That is why this Government has set a target of increasing two per cent savings across the public sector for each of the coming three years.
"Those savings are crucial to delivering our ambitious programme for Scotland. A programme that will help keep our economy moving at a time of global downturn. And a programme set in the context of the worst settlement for Scotland since devolution.
"Today's figures show we are absolutely capable of delivering our targets. In the current financial climate it is crucial that we continue to do so."