UK Government Freezes 20,000 Civil Service Credit Cards to Tackle Wasteful Spending

Labour's crackdown aims to cut card use by half and introduce stricter spending controls to curb misuse of taxpayer funds.

Civil servants must reapply for procurement cards by the end of March, with at least 50% of the cards expected to be permanently canceled.
Spending on government credit cards has surged from £155 million in 2020-21 to £675 million in 2024-25, prompting the freeze.
New rules limit hospitality spending to £500, with higher amounts requiring director general approval to prevent extravagant purchases.
Examples of misuse include luxury items like crystal glassware, sparkling wine, and five-star hotel stays, raising public concerns.
Labour's initiative is part of a broader effort to streamline Whitehall operations, though experts warn it may hinder key government priorities.