Fraud, Error Debt & Grants

Scheme delivers strong value for money and has exceeded targets, Independent Commission for Aid Impact says, but officials could do more to help national governments improve the way cash is delivered

Internal message to HM Revenue & Customs staff – seen by CSW – acknowledges that its estate overhaul will save less than expected, but dismisses talk of a major rethink as "just wrong"

NAO chief says it is time for the department to “step back and consider” its estates strategy as HMRC acknowledges its plans to close most offices will take longer, cost more, and save less than expected

First Civil Service Commissioner Ian Watmore seeks team "to help get the best people into the top civil service jobs"

Guidance refresh deletes entire section on creation of “Extended Ministerial Offices”

Public Appointments Commissioner concedes that not all of his Grimstone Review tweak proposals have been adopted

 Public Service Ombudsman would ditch the much-criticised "MP filter" and let members of the public make direct complaints about services

MPs call on government to commission independent review into tax-credit compliance processes

MP calls for further investigation into a contract between UKTI and a consultancy firm which was cancelled after officials raised concerns over invoicing

Exclusive: Ian Watmore tells CSW he is "absolutely convinced" that the current crop of ministers "wants to preserve Northcote-Travelyan" model of an impartial civil service, as he sets out focus on diversity, skills and leadership

Mark Leftly reports on growing support among parliament's influential select committees to let MPs "blackball" ministers' choices for key public sector jobs

Aid watchdog hands international development department an amber/red rating for its exit and transition work, but DfID disputes the "rushed" report

HMRC says Concentrix staff moving in-house are being given fresh training, as it confirms earlier-than-planned end to controversial fraud and error deal

Public Accounts Committee move follows National Audit Office concerns over £434m “private sector support” and other costs in annual accounts

Latest National Fraud Initiative report shows 37% fall in properties recovered

Public Accounts Committee says Concentrix debacle highlights potential for error as Universal Credit rollout continues

Former shadow Cabinet Office minister says the government still has questions to answer on troubled tax credit checks contract

Amid debate over the future of the revolving door watchdog Acoba, Cabinet Office's Chris Skidmore warns against undermining "modern, dynamic" moves between public and private sector

HM Revenue & Customs chief exec Jon Thompson admits failings with fraud-busting contract just part of the "sub-optimal" picture on tax credits

HMRC chief says he will have "something to announce within the next few working days" about end of contract with US outsourcing firm, and says company "simply didn’t put enough people" on tax credit inquiry lines

Agency will keep Belfast-based workers on ahead of May 2017 termination of outsourced checks contract

Tax-collection agency names commissioner successor to Edward Troup as part of accountability rejig

Tax authority's chief exec tells MPs that Whitehall has clear lessons to learn from failings with outsourced tax credit checking deal

Ex-immigration and enforcement chief Amanda Campbell takes up post as troubled watchdog’s chief executive officer