The Chancellor traditionally resides in one of two government flats located above 10 and 11 Downing Street, with usage varying depending on individual preference and official arrangements.
Prime Ministers and Chancellors have alternated between these residences in recent decades, adapting accommodation to personal and family requirements.
Following the July 2024 general election, Rachel Reeves moved into a flat above No 10 Downing Street, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer occupies the larger flat above No 11. Upon her arrival, Reeves reportedly found her residence stripped of furniture, requiring a complete refit.
Details of Recent Refurbishment
The expenditure of £19,760 for new furnishings was confirmed in a parliamentary response to a written question tabled by Conservative MPs. According to a Treasury spokesperson, 'Following the departure of previous occupants the official ministerial residence was provided unfurnished.
Furniture bought remains government property and will be retained for future occupants.' Labour officials maintained that all items purchased would stay within the government estate and be available for future use by subsequent ministers.
It was further stated that Reeves selected the furniture from a pre-approved government list, ensuring compliance with procurement rules.
Historical Funding Practices for Official Residences
The funding of Downing Street refurbishments has long attracted scrutiny. There have been past controversies surrounding the private payment and donation arrangements for such updates.
For example, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s refurbishment of the No 11 flat drew public and parliamentary attention, culminating in his repayment of the reported £112,000 cost.
Similarly, Rishi Sunak and his wife were reported to have funded upgrades to the No 10 flat at their own expense, including bespoke furnishings and upholstery.
Art and Interior Changes Under Reeves
Beyond furniture, Chancellor Reeves has instigated further changes to the interior decor of Downing Street. Reports indicate she has replaced portraits of historic figures with artworks commemorating the Covid-19 lockdowns.
Notably, Reeves has swapped paintings depicting former prime ministers and royalty for works either created by women or depicting women, including a tapestry of an 'unknown woman' and a photograph of Ellen Wilkinson.
She has also announced intentions to replace every painting in the No 11 state room, used for official engagements, to reflect women’s contributions to art and history.
Government Response and Transparency
The Treasury has reiterated that all furniture purchased for the ministerial residence is considered government property, and procedures have been followed in full compliance with official policies.
The department emphasised the transparency of the arrangement, stating that occupancy changes routinely prompt a review of furnishings for official residences.
In addition, officials have noted that such furnishing costs can arise when properties are left without adequate or usable furniture following an outgoing minister’s departure.
Political and Public Reactions
The recent expenditure has provoked debate over the appropriateness of using public money for private residential costs, even within the official capacity of senior ministers.
Opposition parties and some commentators have called for strict limits and clearer guidance on the extent of allowable spending from public funds for government housing.
Some critics have pointed to previous episodes such as Boris Johnson’s 2021 refurbishment investigation as underscoring the need for greater oversight, while supporters argue that ministers require functional and presentable residences to conduct official business.
Final Summary
The decision by Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use public funds for furnishing her Downing Street flat has brought renewed attention to the longstanding issue of how official ministerial residences are maintained and funded.
With all items to remain state property, the episode highlights the government’s rules on transparency and accountability following ministerial transitions.
As the conversation continues around public spending on government housing, updates can be followed conveniently with financial news on the Pie app.
