Greening orders spending review

International Development Secretary Justine Greening has asked for an internal report into her department’s spending on technical experts and consultants, it was confirmed yesterday.

Nearly £500 million is paid annually to companies working on projects such as developing the tax system, free market and education in Third World countries – and it is understood that Ms Greening wants to be sure it represents value for taxpayers’ money.

The Department for International Development said yesterday that the organisations had won the contracts though a competitive bid process. A spokesman said: ““As the new International Development Secretary, she is taking a close look at every aspect of the department’s spending.”