Economy

Martin Stanley recalls his own shift into the world of watchdogs and introduces his new ‘Understanding Regulation’ website

Theresa May’s fledgling post-Brexit industrial strategy seeks to use government purchasing power to boost UK business if the Conservatives remain in power. Colin Marrs looks at historical precedents and future pointers.

Think tank warns post-Brexit trade deals will require a step-change in Whitehall culture with the creation of a new “trade negotiator” profession as a priority

Conservationists voice fears over proposals to remodel listed city office block

IFS analysis finds both Labour and Conservative plans would lead to increase in proportion of public sector workers paid national minimum wage

Ministers accused of having to bow to demands to keep manufacturing jobs in Britain after Brexit

New combined authority chiefs could improve services and boost local economies if offered new menu of powers, says think tank

Department-sponsored study flags move as part of wider reform of franchising system

Local Government Association asks all parties to commit to further devo rollout in their election manifestos

Ministerial direction was required by DfT perm sec to provide funds for project

Former Cabinet Office minister details plan of action for newly-launched drive to free industry from unnecessary EU bureaucracy

National Audit Office investigation finds £120m-plus spent in south-east has so far led to just one train operator introducing flexible part-time season tickets

Tory policy guru launches cross-party initiative to consider how post-Brexit regulations can support the economy, with support from former cabinet secretary Lord Butler and business leaders

ONS figures show that pay fell in real terms in the three months to February

Senior figure in Manchester devolution deal says Brexit shows centralised UK has not served country well

£120,000 post will forge links between science and technology sectors in effort to boost trade

Public Accounts Committee calls for forensic audit of spending at UK Trade & Investment after concluding contractor took advantage of arm’s-length body

Committee says more work is needed on the economic impact of leaving the EU on WTO terms

After six years at the helm of this tiny Whitehall team, John Whiting is standing down. Here he shares his experiences of trying to simplify Britain’s fiendish tax system – and what he’s learnt in the process

New department says £125k role will focus on developing its “underpinning foundations”, building values and forming its culture

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

Treasury Select Committee says it would be “imprudent” for decisions on the multi-billion pound overhaul to be taken before inquiry is complete

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