Economy

ONS statistics also show staff numbers across the civil service have grown for the second quarter in a row

The recently merged department lacks strategic coherence and authentic leaders – civil servants won't take it any more

Select committee chair seeks evidence base for “unfair” Staircase Tax

Independent adviser also calls for consultation to be reopened because of impact of snap general election

New office space to be shared with NHS Digital hailed as boost to Northern Powerhouse

Antonia Romeo tells CSW that the government is looking for areas where “win-win” deals can be reached quickly

Chancellor insists improved transport links in north is top priority but criticised for lack of clarity

Lack of progress with new deals risks stifling economic growth, councils claim

International trade secretary draws fire for Brexit negotiations complaints

Theresa May reveals ministers are due to be briefed on resilience findings in a matter of days, as select committee chair questions scope of inquiry

Home secretary also indicates that ONS will set out plan to improve government’s use of administrative data next month

Crawford Falconer, who starts at the Department for International Trade this week, says new trade arrangements will “improve the global prospects for political openness and stability”.