National Audit Office3 days agoAs former Nato chief warns about defence spending, how much has the military shrunk?BBC Verify looks at the size of the UK military after Lord Robertson criticises the government over defence spending.3 days ago26 Mar 2026Call for City of Culture collapse inquiry blockedConservatives label UK City of Culture a "juggernaut of incompetence" and fear it will roll on unchallenged.26 Mar 202610 Dec 2025UK asylum system hit by inefficiencies and wasted funds, watchdog findsIn a new analysis, the National Audit Office finds “reactive” government policies moved problems elsewhere.10 Dec 202512 Sep 2025Cost of children's homes doubles but care can be poor, says report Huge sums spent on children's residential care in England do not represent value for money, says spending watchdog. 12 Sep 202524 Jun 2025'Ageing' biosecurity labs pledged £1bn for upgradeThe National Audit Office says the site near Weybridge currently has a "very high" risk of failure.24 Jun 20257 May 2025Asylum accommodation costs set to triple, says watchdogThe cost of housing asylum seekers is expected to reach £15.3bn over 10 years, the National Audit Office says.7 May 202531 Jan 2025Violence against women and girls growing, says watchdogThe government's spending watchdog finds the Home Office has "not led an effective response".31 Jan 20254 Dec 2024Prisons plan will fall short by 2027, watchdog warnsBoris Johnson's pledge to create an extra 20,000 cells spaces is now not expected to be met until 2031.4 Dec 202415 May 2024People face 23-minute wait for HMRC helplinesTaxpayers are facing 23-minute waits for HM Revenue and Customs helplines, according to a report.15 May 2024...
