Policy

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