Government-branded merchandise and away days axed

As part of plans to cut wasteful spending across government departments, branded merchandise and staff away days will be banned.

Officials will now be instructed to hold training and team-building exercises and ‘away days’ in government buildings that are available for free, instead of hiring external venues.  

Spending on branded goods has also been banned, as thousands of pounds have been spent in recent years on items such as mugs, jumpers, water bottles, and fidget cubes.

The Cabinet Office has set out requirements for all departments to review their policies on procuring corporate-branded and non-essential merchandise. Government merchandise will now only be available when essential for delivering the government’s agenda, for example, in overseas trade and diplomacy, to promote growth.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP, 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."