The spectre of Eric Pickles still looms large over local government – even though he is long gone from his role as former communities secretary. 

It's not just austerity that still feels his pinch – the pay packets of senior staff and local government ‘non-jobs' also bear the brunt of his wrath in the aftermath of his reign. Not to mention the slim-lined council biscuit bills. 

Now it is the turn of HMRC to take over the mantle – this time for off-payroll staff. In a bid to cut back the public sector pay bill and scoop up some extra cash in tax returns, the Inland Revenue wants to change the rules on interim staff.