CIVIL servants were handed nearly 900 extra taxpayer-funded spending cards in just one year, official figures reveal.

The number of Government Procurement Cards in the Foreign Office surged from 4,590 in January 2023 to 5,472 in January 2024.

The rise, which occurred under the Tories, marks a staggering 19 per cent increase and has been slammed by Reform UK.

Deputy leader Richard Tice hit out: “The Tories took taxpayers for a ride. They talked so about cutting waste and wanting lower taxes yet the reality is that they bloated the civil service and hammered taxpayers.

“No matter what the Tories say now, they are the reason for many of the issues we face today as a country.

“Only Reform UK are serious about cutting waste, cutting taxes and streamlining the civil service.”

The figures were obtained through a parliamentary question and Labour ministers defended the increase.

Foreign Office Minister Catherine West said: “Government Procurement Cards provide an efficient route to enable key staff to procure goods and services, necessary to the promotion of British interests overseas and the maintenance of our embassies and high commissions.

“All purchases are subject to authorisation by managers and audit checks.”

The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment.