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Civil servants are working in a two-speed Whitehall, as a potential hung parliament has forced delays to projects and increased pressure on policy-planners. As the poll gap between the two main parties narrows, the possibility of a hung parliament has caused a major headache for Whitehall departments already grappling with the tough public spending agenda. Significant projects, which depend on policy decisions of the next government, have slowed or halted, because of the uncertainty. Recruitment for the controversial identity cards scheme has been limited, because staff have not applied for posts – which include relocating to Liverpool – which could be abolished. A Home Office insider told The MJ: ‘Beyond day-to-day operational tasks, the serious work has ground to a halt. If we think about it, who is going to want to work on ID cards when there's the possibility that the scheme could be scrapped.' But, in contrast, where policy differences between the parties are less pronounced, some initiatives are being driven forward at increased pace, in order to beat the pre-election wash-up. And extra policy staff are being drawn in to work out the options for departments to cover every eventuality. Senior Department for Work and Pensions sources said its units were working flat out on potential post-election strategies which could yet see many employment and skills programmes localised. The Cabinet Office, as the hub of civil service strategy, is also in the middle of an intensive period, having been required to draw up plans for a possible handover of government. The department, alongside the Treasury, has been involved in intense discussions with potential Conservative ministers over how a change of government would proceed. At the CLG, meanwhile, the roll out of the department's crucial housing programme continues apace. Ministers are keen to ensure that, regardless of the election result, house-building programmes are in full swing as Britain enters a period of economic recovery. The difficulties of a hung parliament were set out in Cabinet Office documents by permanent secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell last week. He said: ‘It would be prudent… to observe discretion about taking significant decisions, as per the pre-election period. The normal and essential business of government at all levels, however, will need to be carried out.'

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WHITEHALL

Threat of hung Parliament leaves staff dangling

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