The credibility and independence of the interim Office for Budget Responsibility came under renewed attack as its leader, Sir Alan Budd, was forced to defend the release of sensitive employment figures just before a difficult session of Prime Minister's Questions.

Sir Alan said the OBR should move out of the Treasury and draw staff from academia and business as well as the Treasury. The former chancellor Alistair Darling called for the proceedings of the OBR to "completely open and transparent". Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said it believed the coalition's emergency Budget was "courageous and appropriate". "It was an essential starting point," the OECD added. "It signals the commitment to provide the necessary degree of fiscal consolidation over the coming years to bring public finances to a sustainable path, while still supporting the recovery."

Independence of OBR called into question - UK Politics, UK - The Independent