Economics

Perm sec Peter Schofield asked sought approval for spending that might breach Treasury guidance on "regularity and propriety grounds"

Economic support packages designed "as we have gone along", Sir Tom Scholar tells MPs

OECD predicts UK unemployment rate could rise as high as 14.8% post pandemic

"Not possible" to determine business-support schemes demonstrate value for money

Number of personal tax accounts surpasses 20 million

Cabinet Office sets up “commercial clearing hub” where departments can bid for consultants

Details emerge as SAGE member says government was too slow to enter lockdown

Treasury names Richard Hughes as preferred candidate to head independent fiscal watchdog

"The costs of government’s response are large and uncertain," public spending watchdog says

Tax agency begins search for long-term replacement for Jacky Wright

Leaked document says measures needed to "enhance credibility and boost investor confidence"

Minister-led groups to tackle changes faced by aviation industry, shops, pubs and other sectors affected by coronavirus

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

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

Low Incomes Tax Reform Group applauds round-the-clock efforts of ‘invisible cohort’ of departmental staff

Resolution Foundation calls on ministers to extend eligibility and encourage new claims as demand for support spikes

Creators of the new supplier search tool urge government to use open contracting data to protect hospital and care facility supply chains as the coronavirus crisis continues

National Audit Office questions financial planning for keeping top institutions in good repair

Chancellor hints at changes to the way the self-employed are taxed once crisis is over to ensure “all pay in equally in future”

MPs told previous verbal and numeric testing regime was slashing candidate pool by half

IFS says a job-matching scheme could provide staffing boost in priority areas like the NHS and supermarkets

Ministers urged to introduce wage-guarantee scheme as data underscores lack of savings and reliance on credit