EXCLUSIVE: DECC says ‘objectives will be met’ despite Osborne’s spending cut

The Chancellor has cut DECC’s spending along with six other departments including the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Osborne said he has already achieved 20% of the £11.5bn that he is looking to cut by 2015 to reduce the UK’s deficit.

A DECC spokesperson told edie: “We have agreed a provisional settlement with the Treasury which will enable us to make our contribution to reducing the deficit, while still meeting our objectives and priorities.

“In the same way as was the case with provisional settlements at the last Spending Review, we will set out the details alongside the conclusion of the Spending Round”.

Osborne has agreed budget reductions of between 8% and 12% with each of the seven departments and claimed that the cuts would open up more spending for the health service.

Meanwhile, DECC announced today that Martin Stewart is to join the Department from the June 3 as the new Lead Non-Executive Director.

Stewart will replace Paul Walsh, who after more than two years has decided to step down.

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Edward Davey said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Martin Stewart. I look forward to working with him to help build and shape the Department as it moves its agenda forward.

“His experience on transformation and efficiency will prove invaluable as we work to secure unprecedented levels of investment in new energy infrastructure and reduce energy demand in the economy.”

Leigh Stringer