Policy

Former Treasury civil servant Sir David Norgrove wants to raise the status of statisticians and economists in government

CIPFA commission will provide advice to ministers as the Article 50 negotiations proceed

Health Select Committee calls for stronger measures to tax unhealthy food and drink, plus clearer warnings on future action

Cridland Review dubs guaranteed 2.5% annual rise unaffordable and calls for acceleration of retirement age to 68 sooner than scheduled

Implementing Theresa May’s flagship plan must become a Brexit priority, says report

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

EU exit process will lead to increased pressure on departments to prioritise legislation says Institute for Government think tank

PACAC chair tells CSW it is a promising moment for civil service reform, but ministers must play their part too

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

Department also in the middle of big external recruitment push, perm sec tells MPs

Institute for Government report highlights “persistent weaknesses” that cause costly policy churn, prescribing a stronger role for MPs and the centre of government to stop unnecessary changes and secure institutional memory

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

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

Public Accounts Committee says accountability system for major electrification programme was too complex, and casts doubt on cost estimates even after £1.2bn increase

Tory former Cabinet Office heavyweight heaps praise on staff at the centre of government – but hits out at civil service churn, the quality of advice, and the skills valued in line departments

 Statements and press releases gave misleading picture of reduction in homelessness, the UK Statistics Authority finds, because press and policy teams failed to consult with statisticians before publication

Education department comes in for criticism as audit office report flags increasing free school costs as old buildings fall into disrepair

Public Accounts Committee says department still does not fully understand impact of benefit sanctions, and warns their use could have knock-on effects for other areas of government

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

Newly-released interviews by the Institute for Government offer a fascinating insight into politicians’ views of the Whitehall machine. They ain’t all that flattering, finds Suzannah Brecknell...

Cabinet Office’s role in protecting information “remains unclear within central government”, warns Public Accounts Commitee