Budgets
Bridging the budget gap
We haven’t even closed down the 2023-24 accounts yet and we are already starting to plan our 2025-26 medium-term financial strategy, says Tracie Langley.
Retrograde is no way to fund financial recovery
If councils call out the Government for glossing over the facts, they must ensure terms such as balancing the budget and capitalisation are not matters of ‘spin’, says Rob Whiteman.
Growing public awareness is an important step in galvanising action
With a General Election later this year, there’s a clear opportunity to build on the growing public awareness of the problems councils face, says Claire Kober.
Hail our local heroes
Councils have proven their mettle – now give them the trust and respect they deserve, writes Baroness Sharon Taylor.
Daring to care pays off
Integrated Care Boards face many challenges, yet one year on from her review, Patricia Hewitt offers an upbeat assessment and, says Aidan Rave, there is indeed room for optimism.
Investment in neighbourhood services could be a crucial vote winner
'As we limp towards another General Election, we have yet to hear any comprehensive plans from across the political spectrum on how they would address the crisis in funding for neighbourhood services,' says Mo Baines.
Fighting fit in Stockport
It may be testing times for councils, but Stockport MBC is pulling out the stops to ensure its residents of all ages stay healthy, happy – and independent, says Cllr Mark Hunter.
Tough times ahead for public services
Public finances face their toughest outlook for 80 years and there is no magical solution on the horizon following the Spring Budget, writes Nicole Wood.
Watchdog warning over Moray's funding gap
Moray Council must act quickly to shore up its finances, Audit Scotland has warned.
Local investment can reap national rewards
Sir Bob Neill feels the Budget was an opportunity to provide financial aid for councils, which in turn will help the Government deliver national policies – but has the chancellor taken the chance?
Selling the family silver is a mistake
The Government is Incentivising councils to sell off publicly-owned assets, 'but these flexibilities should not become business as usual and they are not a sufficient substitute for a reform of our broken funding system', warns Rob Whiteman.
Government's asset sale plan: Short-term fix or long-term disaster?
Selling council assets may provide a quick fix of cash, but cuts off future revenue supplies and worsens budget deficits, warns Thomas Howard.
Government expected to grant £54m capitalisation direction to Havering
Havering LBC has staved off the threat of a section 114 notice after the Government said it was minded to grant its request for a £54m capitalisation direction.
Council rejects tax freeze offer
Argyll and Bute Council has become the first to reject the Scottish Government’s council tax freeze.
Brum proposes £300m cuts
Cash-strapped Birmingham City Council will cut spending on services by £300m to balance its books.
Local government needs a 10 year plan for renewal
Jessica Studdert says: 'Whether or not future growth enables overall spending to rise, Treasury calculations should recognise the value of the local safety net as foundational for all other services to function effectively and less reactively.'
Plymouth told to 'hold its nerve' on budget
Plymouth City Council’s budget for the forthcoming year hinges on a request to the Government for a capitalisation direction.
Cheshire East seeks £18m capitalisation direction
Cheshire East Council has become the latest council to approach the Government for ‘exceptional financial support’ in a bid to avoid a section 114 notice.
Reform's opportunities and threats
Some areas of reform could present as a financial threat for some councils, but be the opposite for others, says Tracy Bingham.
No one forgets financial decisions have real people at the heart of them
Adele Taylor says: 'As officers in local government we know we have to provide politically neutral and professional advice, but we also need to recognise the challenge our politicians face.'
