Reform UK's plan to reduce the size of the civil service would involve sacking more planning officers than currently exist and eliminating at least two-thirds of psychologists who support prison officers' welfare, according to an analysis of the party's proposals.
Key Findings of the Analysis
The policy paper, led by Reform MP Danny Kruger and published in December under the title Storm and Sunshine, promises to save over £5 billion annually by cutting civil service roles. The full-time-equivalent (FTE) headcount would fall by 13%. The report specifically targets areas such as communications, where it proposes a 60% reduction, and human resources, where a two-thirds cut is envisioned.
Planning Officer Cuts
Among the detailed proposals, the paper calls for a reduction of 450 FTEs in planning, saving £40 million per year. However, according to 2025 civil service statistics, there are only 445 planners employed across the entire civil service in Britain, with about a third working at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). When asked how it would be possible to sack more planners than exist, a Reform spokesperson stated that the total includes 440 planning inspectors at the MHCLG and insisted, "Our number stands." These inspectors work for the Planning Inspectorate, an arm of the MHCLG that decides on planning appeals and handles recommendations for major infrastructure projects. It remains unclear how such work could continue after significant staff cuts.
Occupational Psychology Reductions
Another part of the Reform plan pledges to cut 930 occupational psychology roles, saving £60 million annually. Civil service statistics show that out of 1,390 psychologists, 90% work in the prison and probation service, primarily supporting prison staff welfare. A Reform spokesperson responded to concerns about the impact on prison staff by stating, "Prisons will be much safer places to work under a Reform government and working conditions for prison officers will be greatly improved."
Security Role Cuts
A further measure, expected to save £150 million per year, would cut 2,500 security roles, approximately a quarter of the total across the civil service. The majority of these roles, around 7,000, are in the Ministry of Defence, often guarding bases or sensitive sites, or in the Foreign Office, which includes cybersecurity positions. A Reform spokesperson said the party has not specified which departments would be targeted.
Political Reaction
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Mike Wood criticised the plan, saying, "This is yet another of Reform’s policies that isn’t worth the paper it is written on. Not only does their plan propose cuts to teams larger than the number of people employed in them, it would also slash security staff who protect sensitive sites and cybersystems, while gutting psychological support in our prisons. They are not a serious party."
