Spending on goods and services is expected to increase to R102.4 million over the medium term, at an average annual rate of 2.8 per cent, to provide support to the larger personnel establishment. Spending on consultants decreased from R50.9 million in 2008/09 to R42.5 million in 2011/12, at an average annual rate of 5.8 per cent, and is expected to decrease further to R35.3 million over the medium term, at an average annual rate of 6 per cent, due to the increased capacity within the department. Consultants were used mainly for business and legal advice, internal audit and IT services.