The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has saved UK taxpayers £70m through the sale of properties and streamlining of purchasing, supply and service contracts, the latter which saved £11.7m.

Land and buildings were sold, accumulating a £50m saving. In the last year, 26 properties worth £20m were sold, including the Ambassador’s Residence in Bonn, and the year before, 27 properties worth £29.4m, including the Ambassador’s Residence in Dublin, were successfully put up for sale. A further £8m was saved in rent and rates by concentrating staff in just two Central London locations.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “On top of these sales and efficiencies we have taken steps to generate increased revenue from the hire of some of our Fine Rooms, Lancaster House and suitable areas of embassies abroad.”

“Public private partnerships have also played a part, bringing in outside funding towards the cost of our new Embassy in Berlin and delivering our global internet plans which will not only link the Department and its Posts but also improve our service to the public,” continued the spokesperson.

These savings are part of FCO’s aims to release £90m for investments over three years, until 2002.

Jessica Jarlvi