Business
What can local authorities learn from the local industrial strategies signed so far?
Last week Manchester Combined Authority backed by local public and private sector leaders agreed England’s second local industrial strategy (LIS). Adam Cunnington says local government is central to this process
Jobs cull for Kier
Kier Group is to cut around 1,200 jobs and make savings of £55m over the next two years amid a planned sell-off of many of its commercial interests.
No new cash for Greater Manchester local industrial strategy
A former senior civil servant and council chief has questioned the impact of Greater Manchester’s local industrial strategy after it came with no new money.
EXCLUSIVE: Unison to make 'bold' pay claim
Unison is poised to ask local government employers for a 10% pay rise in a ‘bold’ claim being submitted for 2020/21, The MJ has learnt.
New not-for-profit audit supplier suggested
A not-for-profit audit supplier could be created to work alongside existing and any new firms entering the market, it has been suggested.
Woodford moves to reassure Kent after trading suspension
City heavyweight Neil Woodford has sought to reassure Kent CC and other investors after they were blocked from withdrawing from his multi-billion pound fund.
Municipal bond grants launched
Grants to help councils invest in a new type of municipal bond for funding environmentally-friendly, low-carbon infrastructure projects have been launched.
Uncertain wait for pension funds
Pension funds are mired in uncertainty as they wait to find out whether the Supreme Court accepts the Government’s request to appeal the McCloud case.
Blow for EY after audit deadline failure
EY’s future in the local government audit market has been dealt a blow after it admitted 19 councils will miss their deadline for publishing accounts.
Dawes orders review of review after ministry makes same error again
The Government may have to pay out up to £15m to councils after it made yet another error in its business rate pilot administration.
£3m hit for sector threat after British Steel blow
Local government finances could receive a £2.8m business rates hit after British Steel was forced into liquidation following various trading challenges.
Enfield mulls insourcing repairs service
Housing repairs services are expected to be brought in-house by Enfield LBC.
Amazon rejects pension fund climate calls
The shareholders of one of the world’s largest companies have voted against council pension fund calls for it to adopt a group-wide climate change plan.
Public finances remain robust
The public finances continue to remain robust despite uncertainty over Brexit, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Experts call for revenue-boosting internet tax
Green credits and an internet transaction tax could provide valuable new revenue streams for local government, MPs have been told.
Business rates 'tweaks' not enough - CBI
Industry leaders have called on politicians to look at overhauling the system of business rates.
MPs: Government not willing to innovate on high streets problem
The Government is not willing to make the changes necessary to help businesses revitalise high streets across the country, a select committee has said.
Call for greater focus on culture change in integration drive
Huge cultural and behavioural differences between health and care need more consideration, consultancy Impower has urged.
Fresh push on apprenticeship levy reforms
A broad coalition to push for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy could be formed to mark the two-year anniversary of the reforms, The MJ understands.
'Dumb money' rejection as shopping centre purchases continue
Councils have rejected the idea that local authority investment in shopping centres is ‘dumb money’ as they continue to show an interest in purchases.