Government Tax Profession

MI5 director general Andrew Parker gives first live interview to "increase understanding" of intelligence agency's work – and suggests social media firms have an "ethical responsibility" to report terror concerns

Workforce shrinks by 8,000 posts – with GovCos and privatisations accounting for much of the change

Robert Chote – reappointed as chair of the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog – says he is "relaxed" about Treasury suggesting changes to its independent forecasts

Simon McDonald tells MPs it would be "illogical to focus fire on the FCO" in November's Spending Review

Former attorney general – and recent critic of government's human rights plans – elected to lead the Intelligence and Security Committee

When members of the public want to complain about government bodies, it falls to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman to investigate. Sarah Aston speaks to the watchdog's newly-appointed non-executive directors Julia Tabreham and Ruth Sawtell about efforts to simplify the system, and change the perception that complaining doesn't make a difference

PCS and Prospect members at the Natural Environment Research Council take half-day action over 1% cap and progression pay move

Lord Macdonald tells File on 4 that policy and legal advice functions will “suffer” amid squeeze on resources – but current director of public prosecutions Alison Saunders praises "dedicated" staff

Trade Union Bill easily clears latest hurdle in the Commons, as TUC warns of impact on “productivity, pay and demand”

Labour's new leader promotes Lucy Powell to shadow education

Select committee to question OBR's Robert Chote after e-mails show Treasury seeks changes to wording of draft forecast

Speed of MoJ's responses to Freedom of Information requests comes under scrutiny from the Information Commissioner's Office