Business rates
Austerity must be eased
Heather Jameson says that without the return of business rates or a solution to the social care crisis, the only option must be the easing of austerity.
100% business rates retention legislation dropped
The Local Government Finance Bill has been dropped from the legislative programme, leaving plans for business rates retention in limbo.
Scots committee hit out at nursery business rates
A Scottish parliamentary committee will write to local authorities and the Scottish Government about pressure childcare organisations are facing over increased business rates.
Little substance predicted from Queen's Speech
The Queen’s Speech is set to have Brexit at its heart but not much else, according to predictions in the run up to the state opening of Parliament.
Lower-tier councils pull out of Sheffield devolution deal
Bassetlaw DC has become the second lower-tier council to back away from participation in the Sheffield city region’s devolution bid.
Counties can impact the next administration's agenda
There is a growing disquiet as to whether business rate retention offers the solutions to local government's funding needs, argues James Maker as he looks ahead to the Queen's Speech.
More business rates lead to Reading making £1m reserves raid
Reading BC has been forced to raid its reserves by an extra £1m after collecting more business rates than forecast.
A bulging in-tray awaits the communities secretary next week
From community cohesion to business rates, devolution and adult social care, whoever walks into Marsham Street next week will have a lot of paperwork to go through.
‘Give firms accurate bills,’ authorities told
Ministers should ensure all firms that qualify for local business rates support receive help within a month after the General Election, business leaders have told The MJ.
Councils face huge refund woes after Virgin billing U-turn
Virgin Media has backtracked on a proposed deal that would have led to it withdrawing its attempts to artificially restructure its business rates billing arrangements, The MJ understands.
Academies put authorities under financial pressure
The increasing number of academies and free schools is forcing councils to put money aside in case it hits their business rates income, the Society of County Treasurers (SCT) has complained to the Government.
Fears raised over care cap
IFS questions viability of Tory plans limiting individual care costs.
Where will the money fall in the future?
Norma Atlay asks the important questions about a fast-changing local government finance system.
Uncertainty over rates retention
Local government finance experts have questioned whether the next government will push ahead with the policy of 100% business rates retention.
Councils hit with burden of creating rates relief schemes
District councils are having to come up with separate discretionary business rates relief schemes with little guidance from the Government.
Tories reveal local government approach in manifesto
The Conservatives have revealed a raft of policies on social care, business rates, devolution, housing and children’s services in their manifesto published today.
Rates increase warning after empty shops increase
Scotland’s retailers have warned policymakers against a hike in business rates beyond the Barclay Review after new figures showed an increase in empty shops.
Whitehall urged to referee sector’s NHS disputes over rates relief
Shadow minister Jim McMahon has called for the Government to intervene in the dispute between councils and NHS trusts over business rates relief.
Sector doubts over future plan as 100% rates retention is put on ice
Dissent over 100% business rates retention is growing in the sector after it was put on ice by the calling of the General Election, The MJ understands.
The next PM must deliver on pledges to boost council autonomy
Whichever party wins the General elections, they must deliver on promises made to increase autonomy in local government and increase our ability to plan for a sustainable future, writes Claire Kober.