In this article, the Managing Editor of the Emergency Services Times, Catherine Levin, interviews Gareth Davies, Chair of the NAO (National Audit Office), to discuss how public money can be spent more efficiently, particularly on emergency services. This follows from a keynote speech by Davies to parliament in January 2024, on how improving productivity could release tens of billions for government priorities. The discussion outlines why emergency services, in particular, should better address value for money considerations and deliver services more efficiently through strengthened leadership and governance for major infrastructure projects and new technologies.