Pickles turns down the radiators
Thursday, 30 September 2010 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Eric Pickles has jumped on a proposal to save taxpayers' money by turning down the heating in his government department.
Officials at the Department for Communities and Local Government may have to consider wearing an extra layer to work as the proposal is introduced on a trial basis.
"The whole country has to play its part as we cut a mountain of inherited debt," Mr Pickles explained, as he sought to demonstrate public money can be spent in "thriftier and smarter" ways.
Turning down the heating is among a range of "austerity ideas" from staff.
Other proposals include forcing staff to use public transport and cutting down on the number of mobile phones and first-class post.
Mr Pickles has quickly developed a reputation as one of the coalition's most ruthless cost-cutters.
He attracted headlines after moving rapidly against the Audit Commission, the quango which scrutinises local government spending.
After completing his department's spending cuts quickly he was awarded a place on the 'star chamber' scrutinising other departments' austerity plans as work on the comprehensive spending review continues.
Newsletter sign up