
Wasteful government spending and the lack of transparency have long been sore points for taxpayers. At national and local levels, poor fiscal management and questionable priorities highlight the need for a more accountable approach. From Rachel Reeves' Office for Value for Money (OVfM) to high salaries in local government and controversial spending by council leaders, there are serious questions about how public funds are used.
Residents from across Lincolnshire are asking me to act on what they see as reckless and frivolous spending. As a prospective mayoral candidate for Lincolnshire, I am committed to tackling these challenges head-on by delivering better value for money and securing greater accountability.
The National Picture: Is the Office for Value for Money Delivering?
Rachel Reeves, the Shadow Chancellor, launched the Office for Value for Money (OVfM) to tackle government waste and improve spending efficiency. However, the initiative has already drawn significant criticism. MPs from the Treasury Committee have labelled it as "understaffed" and lacking a clear mandate. With just 12 employees overseeing billions in public spending, the OVfM has been described as a symbolic gesture rather than a practical solution.
The committee also noted that the OVfM's role risks overlapping with existing bodies such as the National Audit Office, which already has a mandate to scrutinise government expenditures. Critics argue that this redundancy does not inspire confidence and instead suggests that the OVfM could become a vehicle for waste. Without clear accountability metrics or a defined framework for success, there's a danger that the OVfM will achieve little, all while consuming taxpayer funds that could be better spent elsewhere.
My vision for Lincolnshire contrasts sharply with this national approach. I am committed to creating a Department for Government Efficiency within Lincolnshire—a dedicated team to identify wasteful spending and promote transparency. While the mayor's office lacks the authority to compel cooperation from councils and other bodies like the police and health service, I am determined to work collaboratively and secure additional powers from the central government to make Lincolnshire's public services more efficient and effective.
Local Government: High Salaries in Lincolnshire
While attention is often focused on national spending, local government is not immune to scrutiny. The Town Hall Rich List 2024 revealed significant expenditures on high salaries for local authority employees in Lincolnshire. For example:
A Deputy Chief Executive in North East Lincolnshire received a total remuneration of £385,208, far exceeding what many would expect for local government roles.
South Kesteven's Chief Executive was also highlighted, with expenses and benefits in kind totalling £15,000, in addition to a competitive salary.
These figures prompt questions about whether such salaries are proportionate to the roles or reflect the value provided to taxpayers. High pay at the top of councils often occurs alongside service cuts or council tax increases, further frustrating residents.
Transparency around pay and perks is essential to rebuilding trust with local communities. By introducing my proposed Department for Government Efficiency, I plan to work with local councils to ensure that taxpayer money is directed toward improving essential services rather than excessive executive salaries and gimmicks.
Local Controversy: Wallace & Gromit Videos, missteps in Holbeach & free equipment in North Lincolnshire
Recent spending choices by Lincolnshire councils have drawn criticism, with two projects standing out for their questionable value for money.
First, a digital noticeboard in Holbeach, installed outside All Saints Church, cost taxpayers £7,245, with an additional annual upkeep cost of nearly £800. This noticeboard is currently non-functional and widely viewed as unnecessary. It was installed by South Holland District Council and funded by the central government's Welcome Back Fund. Residents and even members of Holbeach Parish Council have described it as a "waste of money," with one parish councillor calling it a "white elephant" for the town. This is a prime example of funds being spent on projects with limited utility and no long-term benefit to the community.
Second, Lincolnshire County Council's decision to spend £54,000 on a flooding awareness video has raised eyebrows. Produced by a studio known for Wallace and Gromit animations, the video was criticised for being out of touch with practical needs. Many residents have questioned why this money wasn't allocated to flood prevention measures, such as clearing drains or supporting flooding-related businesses. This kind of expenditure highlights a lack of prioritisation and an overreliance on symbolic gestures rather than actionable solutions.
Local Controversy: Free Equipment in North Lincolnshire
In North Lincolnshire, the Conservative mayoral candidate and leader of the council, Cllr. Rob Waltham is facing criticism for a scheme that provided free equipment to pensioners. Using the government's Household Support Fund, the council distributed:
Over 6,000 air fryers
More than 1,300 slow cookers
Almost 400 one-cup kettles
While the intention to help pensioners struggling with energy bills is commendable, the initiative's timing, launched shortly before Waltham announced his mayoral candidacy, has raised eyebrows. Many residents argue that the scheme may have been politically motivated, designed to curry favour ahead of the election. Furthermore, questions have been raised about whether this could breach provisions under the Representation of the People Act, which prohibits actions that might unduly influence voters. Public giveaways during an election must be scrutinised to ensure they do not undermine democratic fairness. These concerns highlight the importance of transparency and the need for careful adherence to legal and ethical standards when using public funds.
Furthermore, North Lincolnshire Council's debt burden exceeds £136 million, prompting concerns about the appropriateness of such spending. While helping vulnerable residents is crucial, such initiatives must be well-planned and transparent. Public funds should address systemic issues, like reducing household energy costs, rather than short-term, high-profile giveaways.
My Vision for Accountability
Whether it's Rachel Reeves' national Value for Money initiative or local councils in Lincolnshire, the consistent thread is the need for transparency and prudent spending. I am committed to addressing these issues by introducing my Department for Government Efficiency to scrutinise spending, promote collaboration, and ensure value for money across Lincolnshire.
My commitment to improving governance and delivering better value for money is rooted in my extensive experience in the private sector. Over the years, I have worked in private sector leadership roles that required balancing budgets, optimising resources, and driving efficiency. This has given me a deep understanding of identifying waste, streamlining operations, and prioritising spending where it matters most. I have seen firsthand how accountability and innovation can transform organisations, and I am determined to bring that same mindset to Lincolnshire. By applying the best practices from the private sector, I will ensure that every taxpayer pound is spent wisely and delivers tangible benefits for our communities.
Recognising that the mayor's powers are limited, I have pledged to work tirelessly with the central government to secure greater authority for Lincolnshire's mayoralty. I aim to make the county model of efficient, transparent governance that delivers real resident benefits. I am determined to restore public trust and make Lincolnshire work better for everyone by prioritising essential services, cutting unnecessary roles, and fostering accountability.
Totally outrageous we need to question everything about how te council spend our council tax