Special advisers are a critical part of the team supporting Ministers. They add a political dimension to the advice and assistance available to Ministers while reinforcing the impartiality of the permanent Civil Service by distinguishing the source of political advice and support.

Special advisers are temporary civil servants, and their costs are met by the government department in which they are based. Each year, the Cabinet Office publishes a report on the total cost and number of special advisers across government. Today, the Cabinet Office will be publishing its report for the previous financial year (April 2025 to March 2026).

Departments also routinely publish data quarterly on special advisers' gifts, hospitality and meetings with senior media figures.

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