Sir Philip Green to lead review into government spending

Entrepreneur Sir Philip Green will lead an external efficiency review into government spending, the Cabinet Office announced today.

Green, owner of the Topshop and Bhs will examine public spending over the past three years to find potential savings as the government takes steps to tackle a budget deficit running at around 11 percent of GDP.

The coalition is seeking cuts of around a quarter across departmental spending.

Green, who said he would bring his experience of procuring goods and services to his new role, will also consider whether government leases and contracts entered into since 2007 offer value for money.

He is expected to deliver his report before the conclusion of the wider spending review is published on October 20.