Gus O'Donnell

How the Bank of Mum and Dad reshaped the British economy I have banged on for some time on how keeping senior civil service salaries so low in London is damaging diversity. This article explains why the problem is much wider than that. ft.com/content/4b7e81… via @ft

Next budget is crucial. I hope this report and Lords’ Economic affairs committee one will persuade HMT that we need more investment .Markets will not be scared by dropping nonsensical rule that debt ratio must fall in year 5 irrespective of what happens in years 1-4.

Growth through more physical investment requires reform of our planning processes particularly the judicial review process and this will take time. This report highlights the large gains available earlier from improving our trade relations with the EU. frontier-economics.com/uk/en/news-and…

This is excellent news: a real expert ,much needed at centre of government.

How do you have a children’s wellbeing bill without any attempt to measure their wellbeing across the country? There is a lot to welcome in the Bill but this gap is a fundamental flaw.

A brilliant guide to what it is like to be head of the Treasury during crises. And great examples of how to be an effective civil servant. I will always be grateful for his advice and mentoring during my time at HMT. And he’s a model ex civil servant still doing important work.

Missions revamp coming this week . This report explains how they could be reshaped to give an overarching vision and clear metrics on success. url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GYvuCmZ9JcpQ…

I’m a supporter of personal autonomy so in favour of assisted dying bill but aware of multiple issues that need addressing. I hope it passes in Commons today to give Lords a chance to work on it.

Wellbeing of civil service still below pre pandemic levels but recovering. Will be fascinating to see if change of administration affects levels but no data available yet. kcl.ac.uk/policy-institu…

See the link for excellent suggestions about how to get the UK’s growth rate up written by my former Treasury colleague John Kingman. We know what to do but it takes great political courage to do it! url.uk.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1cUGC68AZhPp…

A fascinating account of the history of the OBR and an honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. To me a world with an OBR is a much better world, with better fiscal policies. But the OBR alone can never solve our economic problems: that’s the Chancellor’s job.

As usual a very balanced approach thoughtful article from David Smith. This will be a very important budget .

I’ve seen first-hand the power of collaboration between government and the charity sector. "A Civil Alliance" is a unique opportunity for civil servants to explore how the sectors can work together to tackle society’s toughest challenges. Sign up 👇 probonoeconomics.com/Event/a-civil-…

Congratulations Nicole . A great appointment for Lloyds foundation . We will miss you at Pro Bono Economics where you have made a huge impact.

This is great news. Tom is an example of the kind of heavyweight badly needed in no 10 now. But this job will allow him to exercise his extensive skills at a global level. Congratulations Tom

Ditch the last government’s absurd debt rule and invest to grow ft.com/content/b6dd40… via @ft

This is a very serious problem. We underpay Ministers and senior civil servants as Max Hastings points out in today’s Times. For a better model look at Singapore where the relationship between Ministers and civil servants is one of mutual respect.

Just finalising my team - still too many Man U players ! Please join us, deadline looming!

I’m entering this again despite my poor performance last season.I put it down to the equivalent of home bias, having too many Man U players who rather let me down. More diversity this year. All economists interested in football please sign up. It’s a great cause.

Another sign that we can have hope in the next generation making a better job of it than we have.