Osborne's Spending Review: Fresh Produce Consortium say "Make it Happen George"

LONDON - July 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium has responded to the government's call for £20bn cuts to Whitehall budgets saying “the FPC welcomes the challenge” and stating " there needs to be more accountability to constantly challenge and secure professional services at substantially lower commercial rates."

Mr Osborne, who gave evidence to MPs on Tuesday about the Budget and his spending priorities, said that "with careful management of public money, we can get more for less".  Jenney agrees, adding "Without change we are simply exporting our expertise, thousands of UK jobs and substantial exchequer income."  He continued " While we recognise that some Government organisations are commercially aware, those that impose the highest costs are often the least efficient and make implausible excuses for their refusal to change."

Labour shadow chancellor Chris Leslie responded, saying "It's very unclear what the chancellor's coherent approach is here and I think we do need, of course, those sensible savings, but he needs to now come clean and say what exactly is he planning."

The SNP's deputy leader Stewart Hosie said some of the targets set for departments were likely to prove "completely unmanageable" and Mr Osborne risked "setting himself up for a very large fall".

Jenney acknowledges the tough challenge set by the Chancellor adding "Many government departments simply lack any commercial acumen and therefore fail to provide services in a least-cost, customer-focussed manner. In our experience most hide behind laws that demand “full cost recovery” from businesses."

Mr Osborne has already unveiled £12bn of welfare savings plus £5bn of tax avoidance prevention measures - which together with the £20bn of departmental spending cuts make up the £37bn figure earmarked to get government finances back in the black.

"Well done George make it happen" quips Jenney "No excuses! Give me a call George I’m happy to suggest constructive ideas to ensure you exceed your target!"