A senior government official has acknowledged ongoing challenges in overcoming "institutional barriers" while addressing a recent conference, highlighting persistent obstacles within the civil service despite efforts to drive change. The admission comes as officials continue to navigate complex bureaucratic hurdles, raising questions about progress in reforming long-standing systems. The remarks suggest that structural resistance remains a key factor in implementing policy shifts, even at the highest levels of government. For those tracking public sector reforms, this insight offers a rare glimpse into the internal struggles shaping decision-making.


Number 10 North deputy director Duncan Parish has told a conference he is still facing "institutional barriers".