3.21 This workstrand has shown that it is necessary for government to challenge itself on an ongoing basis, in relation to the assets it holds, and to demonstrate to taxpayers that it is managing its assets in the most efficient manner. The current economic context makes demonstration of this particularly important.
3.22 There needs to be a change of mindset across government, whereby departments are required to demonstrate that they are maximising the efficiencies and the commercialisation opportunities for all of the assets they hold, and that they are doing so on an ongoing basis.
3.23 Regular external challenge to departments, provided through the Shareholder Executive working with HM Treasury, should continue to be core to initiating change across government.
3.24 An ongoing role for the Operational Efficiency Programme's asset studies, led by the Shareholder Executive in conjunction with HM Treasury and the relevant departments, is therefore proposed. Reports on progress on existing assets and on the identification exercise for new assets should be provided on a six-monthly basis.