A modest proposal for curing the public sector

SIR – Matt Ridley rightly bewails the stifling lethargy of our public sector (“Dithering officials are holding back the tide of innovation and entrepreneurship”, Comment, May 17), but shies away from an explanation or suggested cure. Permit me.

In that sector, to take a rapid decision could prove rash and inflict lasting career damage, whereas to delay a decision ad infinitum can never produce censure and, indeed ,will guarantee a long and blame-free career.

The cure would be twofold. Halve the departmental budget set aside for salaries. After that, the ruthless will quietly purge the useless. Secondly, create an ombudsman-staffed appeal mechanism with teeth, run by retired businessmen from the private sector prepared to use them.

Frederick Forsyth Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire

SIR – Matt Ridley writes: “If there is one way to regain rapid growth after Covid, it is surely to incentivise officials to take decisions more quickly.”

During the Covid-19 crisis, officials have had to make decisions at an extraordinary pace. We will learn from this and implement what’s useful while supporting the Government in ensuring that the country makes a clean and resilient recovery.

Throughout the lockdown, Environment Agency teams have prosecuted waste criminals, continued with 90 per cent of flood-risk projects, helped to get food to the vulnerable alongside local partners, supported the Government’s science teams and regulated hazardous industrial sites.

As the country rebuilds, we will need public servants to show the determination and agility that they have demonstrated during the crisis. That is something in which I know we can be confident.

Emma Howard Boyd Chair, Environment Agency Bristol