Even Sunak’s senior officials think he’s getting his economic policy wrong

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Jim Harra, permanent secretary and so CEO of HM Revenue & Customs has objected to two of Sunak's announcements this week. As the BBC report:

Two schemes unveiled by Chancellor Rishi Sunak to stem coronavirus job losses may not be value for money for taxpayers, a top official has warned.

HM Revenue and Customs boss Jim Harra wrote to Mr Sunak to express concerns about paying firms a £1,000 bonus to retain furloughed staff.

He also questioned the value for money of a discount scheme offering 50% off restaurant meals.

The chancellor rejected his concerns, saying action was needed to save jobs.

This is the letter on the Meal Deal:

This may be unprecedented given that direction letters of this sort have been as rare as hen's teeth until this government came along.

Even Sunak's officials think he's getting his economic policy wrong. And they're right on this one.


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