Economy

Public Accounts Committee calls for forensic audit of spending at UK Trade & Investment after concluding contractor took advantage of arm’s-length body

Committee says more work is needed on the economic impact of leaving the EU on WTO terms

After six years at the helm of this tiny Whitehall team, John Whiting is standing down. Here he shares his experiences of trying to simplify Britain’s fiendish tax system – and what he’s learnt in the process

New department says £125k role will focus on developing its “underpinning foundations”, building values and forming its culture

Government will be in listening mode once new city region mayors are in place, says growth unit boss

Treasury Select Committee says it would be “imprudent” for decisions on the multi-billion pound overhaul to be taken before inquiry is complete

Think tank argues chancellor’s bungled budget fundraiser makes case for better policymaking

A “radical” drive to move departments out of London would help regions adapt following Brexit, say consultants

Real terms pay levels to be £1,700 below 2009/10 peak set before Osborne freeze

Alexandra Jones set to leave Centre for Cities to take up new role

Public Accounts Committee says economic case is “crystal clear” for both houses to relocate for the duration of a £3.9bn overhaul

We shouldn't have to wait until the wheels fall off to find that cuts to services have gone way beyond any sustainable level, argues the former DWP permanent secretary

Hammond avoids big tweaks to Whitehall budgets, but targets extra funding for social care and business rate relief

Treasury trails Hammond's first Budget, as OECD upgrades UK growth forecast

RSA says power in the UK remains "too centralised" – and urges central government to give more freedom to local authorities to tackle regional imbalances

Union calls for independent review of pay as it warns that maintaining a 1% cap on pay rises is “unsustainable”

Chancellor will not use improved growth forecasts to borrow more money, it is reported

Nine days after his appointment as permanent secretary of the Department of Energy & Climate Change, Alex Chisholm suddenly found himself running the newly-formed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Here he talks merging ministries, Brexit and championing both business and consumers with Sam Macrory

House of Lords committee puts HMRC officials through their paces

Regulatory Policy Committee says it is "disappointed" that departments appear to be diverting resources away from providing rigorous assessment of their decisions

Perm sec makes work services director Susan Park accountable for payments system’s operation across Jobcentres and service centres

UK Government Investments – which leads on the management and privatisation of state assets – seeks new director

Former head of the civil service's review for Labour says Treasury must "up its game" on financial expertise; do more to support regional growth; and stop "second guessing" departments