Our work

Efficiency has always been a key part of the NAO’s role as the watchdog for central government spending. Under the 1983 National Audit Act, we were given the authority to examine and report on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of public expenditure.

NAO publications and guidance

The NAO is reviewing the overall progress of the Government’s Efficiency Programme. In February 2007 we published our latest report.  Report and press notice.

More widely, the NAO regularly publishes reports and good practice guides on related subjects. Subjects covered include procurement, estate management and process design. You can access NAO publications through the NAO Efficiency Toolkit.