Economy

Chancellor reveals that the furlough scheme is costing around the same as the NHS

Government urged to 'be straight with the public' that there is “no single grand exit plan to release the coronavirus lockdown”, IfG says

Cutting public spending "not part of our approach" after the pandemic, PM says

Stats watchdog review makes recommendations for improvement, including IT investment

Claire Bassett resigns while the post-Brexit trade body is still in shadow form

Perm sec Alex Chisholm said it was impossible to determine if the scheme would deliver value for money under Treasury guidance

Health secretary pushes back against calls from Tory MPs and ministers

Prospect union says not paying 20% top up to workers on the Job Retention Scheme would be “unacceptable”

Watchdog raises "concerns" as department fails to publish promised data

DWP to allow claimants to prove identity via Government Gateway in bid to cope with surging demand

Minister says government cannot delay long term plans to 'level up' country

Treasury and HMRC urged to build evidence base for change as support for better-funded public services is expected to grow