In a drive to save money in the civil service and public sector, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles announced that the Audit Commission will be scrapped. Mr Pickles said the body had "lost its way." As an example of his displeasure, he vetoed the appointment of a new chief executive for the Commission; and was angry that the Commission splashed out on a corporate event – all at a cost of nearly £250,000 to taxpayers.