Downing Street has warned ministers to make their departments more productive rather than asking for more money, as the fractious negotiations over this month’s spending review enter their final stages.
Officials said on Thursday that many ministers would have to accept tough cuts to their departments as part of the spending review, which will be announced alongside the budget on 30 October. Any of those wanting to protect important public services would have to make them more cost-efficient, No 10 added.
