Apologies for wrong link.Here is the right one: options2040.co.uk/tax-and-public…

options2040.co.uk/tax-and-public… As we run up to the election we will hear a lot about policy options. This tool allows you to do your own costings of your favourite choices. Let’s hope it makes for a more informed debate.

I will continue to argue that we desperately need a switch towards more pay less pension in the public sector. You can’t get a mortgage based on your future pension.

Success is leaving people wanting more. The sad closure of the what works wellbeing centre leaves a gap that will be keenly felt. Its final report is in link. Congrats to Nancy Hey and her great team for leaving such a valuable legacy whatworkswellbeing.org/resources/our-…

We are delighted to announce the imminent launch of the Heywood Quarterly! This will build on the Heritage of the Civil Service Quarterly - founded by Jeremy Heywood - to share best practice in public sector policy development and implementation.

Good to see this. I have contributed an article on what civil servants need to do to prepare for whatever happens post election.

Getting civil servants to cost opposition polices in run up to election needs to stop. In past both parties have done it. It is an unsavoury practice as assumptions provided by special advisers are biased to make party political scoring points. Next government should not do it.

We are delighted that Edward Young (formed PPS to HM The Queen) has written an article for the Heywood Quarterly on the role of the Palace in elections. Visit heywoodquarterly.com for the full article and see his preview below!

Very timely and welcome publication ahead of election. I hope Jeremy would have enjoyed reading them. Mine is on transitions.

A fitting tribute to a force of nature. I learnt so much from Chris over many decades- one of the great public servants of our generation.

This is why my wife says I have a great face for radio.

The new government’s trilemma: how to improve public services, stick to tax promises and the debt rule. One part of the solution is to raise growth by looking again at regulation. See my FT article: on.ft.com/45FRkp7

A timely guide to the qualities needed for success in the civil service

Line in King's speech caught my eye: 'A Bill will be introduced to raise standards in education and promote children’s wellbeing'. Good to see 'wellbeing' back as a legitimate objective in policy... Richard Layard Gus O'Donnell Jonathan Haidt Ben Page The Behavioural Insights Team Mark Easton

Absolutely right. These changes to the fiscal framework are a big step in the right direction.

This is the problem that worries me most. We need more analysis to understand its causes and to come up with solutions. The PISA data show that our performance is also shocking compared to nearly all other countries.

Excellent article that should be required reading for anyone thinking of joining the civil service as well as current policy professionals.

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

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.

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