News
I'm now convinced of the need for an Office of the Prime Minister " here's why
1+ day, 23+ hour ago (442+ words) One thing I find counterintuitive and disappointing is that the centre of government " whether the cabinet secretary or the Cabinet Office " can only urge and exhort government departments to do things. A huge amount of time is spent trying to…...
DSIT analysis director becomes joint head of Government Economic Service
2+ day, 23+ hour ago (374+ words) Department for Science, Innovation and Technology analysis director Alison Kilburn has been appointed as joint head of the Government Economic Service." Kilburn, who is also DSIT's chief economist, will work alongside Prof Brian Bell in leading the GES, which has…...
DWP unveils closure plans for regional offices
6+ day, 13+ min ago (606+ words) The Department for Work and Pensions has announced plans to close nine regional offices at locations ranging from Scotland to the West Country." PCS, which is the civil service's biggest union, said the decision " briefed to departmental officials yesterday morning…...
Bungled housing deal cost Mo D "14. 5bn, National Audit Office says
6+ day, 1+ hour ago (749+ words) The Ministry of Defence's decision to sell off 55, 000 service-family homes and lease them back from a property firm cost the public purse "14. 5bn over the course of three decades, a new report from the National Audit Office has found. " The deal…...
John Edwards resigns as information commissioner after investigation finds 'case to answer"
1+ week, 6+ day ago (228+ words) John Edwards resigns as information commissioner after investigation finds 'case to answer' Civil Service World John Edwards resigns as information commissioner after investigation finds 'case to answer' John Edwards has resigned as information commissioner following an investigation into his conduct....
From doom loop to hope loop: How can Whitehall seize the moment?
1+ week, 6+ day ago (325+ words) Delivery. Innovation. Pride. Antonia Romeo's reforming energy is infecting and enthusing Whitehall and meeting a political moment that will promise change, driven by the public restlessness with the status quo. From workforce reforms to the adoption of productivity boosting AI…...
The crucial next stage of the Tobacco and Vapes Act
2+ week, 1+ day ago (230+ words) By Philip Morris Limited The UK has required alcohol licences for hundreds of years, so it is absurd that anyone can still sell cigarettes and vapes in 2026. One of the consultations will look at licensing for all tobacco and nicotine…...
Curiosity and "crazy" pay incentives " here"s what we learnt from Antonia Romeo"s PACAC hearing
2+ week, 1+ day ago (900+ words) Dame Antonia Romeo made her first committee appearance as cabinet secretary on Monday, speaking in front of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. The cab sec and head of the civil service answered questions on subjects including: pay; churn;…...
SNP dubs public sector reform the "defining task" of this Scottish Parliament
2+ week, 1+ day ago (699+ words) Scotland's newly-appointed cabinet minister for public sector reform has said changing the way services are delivered will be the "defining task" of the Scottish Parliament's current four-year term." First Minister John Swinney created the new reform post following last month's…...
Establishing Great British Railways is a good start " but it's no silver bullet
2+ week, 2+ day ago (400+ words) By Sir Philip Rutnam For the government, getting this transition right carries high political stakes. When GBR is up and running, it will be the third largest public sector employer in the country after the NHS and the armed forces…...