In the face of political and media criticism over the DWP board spicing up the future pension of COO Raman Raj, CEO David Nahai just released a statement saying never mind.

After further discussions with Mr. Raj about the concerns expressed regarding the appropriateness of the Department purchasing retirement service credits for which he is eligible, Mr. Raj has asked that the request be withdrawn. Questions have arisen regarding the advisability of this matter and how it may be perceived. We wish to be sensitive to these concerns and responsive to them and have therefore decided to withdraw this request for retirement benefits alltogether.

Related links are in today's Morning Buzz.

* Controller Laura Chick adds her response via statement:

Expending public monies must be done in a responsible and transparent way. When taxpayer dollars are allocated behind closed doors there is a reason, and usually it’s not a good one.

This deal needed to have a full public airing to determine if it made sense. I am pleased that the DWP has rescinded this payment. I hope that in the future they remember that their transactions need to hold up under the light of day.