MoD accused of 'bungling' army cuts

Ministers have been accused of putting Britain's military capabilities at risk by "bungling" money-saving army reforms.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticised the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for failing to consult the head of the Army fully before pushing ahead with deep cuts to regular forces.

It was also criticised for squandering millions of pounds through a flawed deal with Capita.

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Handling of cash saving army reforms 'astonishing'

The way the MoD has handled reforms to the army designed to save money after the 2008 crash "astonishing".

Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Margaret Hodge, hit out at decision not to include the chief of general staff at all stages of the decision-making process.

However, it is remarkable that the chief of the general staff was not involved in all stages of the decision-making process, given the magnitude and importance of the change required, and its impact on the service which he commands.

The MoD did not test the feasibility of recruiting and training the 30,000 reserve soldiers it needs by 2019. The strength of the Army Reserve has stayed at around 19,000 for the last two years, and we remain to be convinced that the MoD will recruit the required numbers in time.

– Margaret Hodge

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MoD accused of 'bungling' army money saving reforms

The Ministry of Defence has been accused of putting Britain's military capabilities at risk by "bungling" money-saving army reforms.

The MoD is accused of squandering millions in bad deals. Credit: PA

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticised the MoD for failing to consult the head of the Army fully before pushing ahead with deep cuts to regular forces.

It also gave little consideration to whether it was possible for reservist numbers to be near-doubled by 2019 and managed to squander millions of pounds through a flawed deal with Capita.

The scheme was intended to save more than £10 billion over a decade, by cutting 20,000 personnel from the regular army and increasing reservist strength to 30,000.

But the National Audit Office (NAO) has suggested that the recruitment target could take six years longer than planned to hit.

The committee said it "remained to be convinced" that the goal could be reached on time.

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