Commercial

Single Source Regulations Office chair Clive Tucker says there are “compelling reasons” to enhance his watchdog's authority over non-competitive military contracts

New figures from the Management Consultancies Association show another year-on-year rise in public sector consultancy spending – but totals remain well below 2009 peak

National Audit Office updates MPs on HMRC's progress to replace Aspire

Think tank praises updated blueprint for public-sector procurement but warns new clause must be used

Common Technology Service director details joined-up approach to handle “£8bn in contract exits”

Acting permanent secretary poised to take on £340,000-a-year City of London role

New £160,000-a-year "Continuous Improvement Director" asked to track progress against commercial improvement plans departments have agreed with the Cabinet Office

Civil Service Board backs move to let key commercial staff work directly for the centre of government, potentially sitting outside of departmental pay and grading

Spending watchdog criticises Cabinet Office for oversight of plan to merge back office functions, as delays and lack of buy-in lops millions off savings target

MPs call on Cabinet Office to “re-invigorate” initiatives aimed at increasing the amount of money government spends with small and medium-sized enteprises

Crown Commercial Service to roll out the Open Contracting Data Standard across Whitehall by the autumn, as Cabinet Office acknowledges current contracts info acting as a "barrier to suppliers and businesses"

Just-published guide from the public spending watchdog says government needs sustained effort to bring commercial and contracting work up to scratch