Autumn Statement
Santa or the Grinch? No quick fix for fail finances
Heather Jameson says: 'It all comes back to the same issues over and again for local government. The funding system is fundamentally broken.'
Autumn Statement: what lies behind the promises?
Despite a few helpful announcements from the chancellor in relation to cost of living and hospitality the reality is the overall outlook for Westminster residents remains difficult, says Cllr Adam Hug.
Social care’s new dawn
There are signs Whitehall is now starting to ‘get’ prevention and how to support people to stay out of hospital and residential care, says Beverley Tarka.
Innovation keeps the wheels on social care
With no prospects of long-term funding solutions, social care teams are having to focus on creative initiatives and partnership working – and the Autumn Statement has added to the pressure. Paul Marinko reports.
Fulfilling a crucial role for children
As directors of children’s services prepare to attend the National Children and Adult Services Conference, Ann McGauran assesses the challenges and rewards of this important role
Public services out in the cold
There was little joy for under-pressure public sector budgets including local government from last week’s Autumn Statement as Michael Burton reports.
The Autumn Statement leaves councils to solve their own problems
Few expected the King’s Speech and Autumn Statement to be the silver bullet that solved local government’s problems, says Graeme McDonald, but there is nothing to change the big picture
Councils welcome PWLB rate extension
Councils have welcomed chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s decision to extend preferential Public Works Loan Board borrowing rates for Housing Revenue Account (HRA) expenditure.
Autumn Statement: end of Household Support Fund leaves gaping hole
The Household Support Fund is an essential safety net for families in crisis – removing it means there is nothing to break their fall, says chief executive of Barnardo's Lynn Perry MBE.
True collaboration will be key to the success of devo in Surrey
Cllr Tim Oliver says Surrey CC is looking forward to working with the Government and local partners to ensure all residents can feel the benefit of a Level 2 County Deal.
Autumn Statement: public services bear brunt of tight spending plans
Jeff Matsu fears the Autumn Statement paints a picture of a chancellor trading up investment in public services for quick wins rather than committing to longer-lasting systems of reform.
Autumn Statement: not what it says on the tin
Kate Ogden says it seems likely either taxes will have to rise further, borrowing will have to rise, or the range and quality of public services provided will have to fall.
Autumn Statement: Hunt announces surprise LGPS plan
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced a surprise target to ensure all Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds are invested in asset pools of £200bn or more by 2040.
Autumn Statement: Unprotected departments face further cuts
So-called ‘unprotected’ Whitehall departments face further budget tightening despite a pledge in the Autumn Statement to increase public sector productivity.
Autumn Statement: Living Wage hike places council budgets under pressure
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has confirmed the biggest-ever hike in the UK minimum wage – but the move places strained council finances under fresh pressure.
Autumn Statement: Business rates measures to be fully funded
Plans to extend business rates relief will be fully funded for local authorities, the small print of the Autumn Statement has confirmed.
Autumn Statement: Councils to be able to recover planning costs
Councils will be able to recover the costs of business planning applications in return for being required to meet faster timelines, Chancellor says.
Gove hints at Autumn Statement gifts
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove hinted Christmas may come early for councils when Jeremy Hunt unveils his Autumn Statement this week.
Right place and time for change
Despite more than a decade of austerity and no end in sight, local authorities do have the power to get wealth flowing more directly to residents, and many are doing so, writes Sarah Longlands.
Councils call for emergency school transport funding
‘Spiralling’ transport costs for children with special educational needs are threatening the financial stability of England’s largest councils, according to a report.
