Government departments have been banned from using promotional clothing and other “non-essential” merchandise as part of a crackdown on “wasteful spending”.
The Cabinet Office has introduced the stricter rules to permit government branded merchandise only when “essential for delivering the government’s agenda to promote growth”.
It has also banned “costly” away days, instructing officials to hold training and team-building exercises in government buildings that are available for free instead of hiring external venues.
The Cabinet Office set out requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise with a view to restricting future purchases.
Announcing the ban, the Government referenced clothing as well as mugs and water bottles. It did not extend the ban to essential workwear and uniforms.
It has been spearheaded by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden MP, who is Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for intergovernmental relations. He said: “By cutting wasteful spending we can target resources at frontline public services with more teachers, extra hospital appointments and police back on the beat.
“We will use taxpayers’ money to deliver our Plan for Change, kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.”
