Business rates
The power of quiet diplomacy
Outgoing chair of the District Councils’ Network, Cllr John Fuller, talks to Martin Ford about his legacy. He says districts showed their mettle during COVID and are best placed to deliver the levelling up agenda.
It is teamwork that makes the dream work
The Government would be wise to do all it can to de-escalate tensions with councils over funding, says Joanne Pitt.
Raising council tax is a 'threat' not an opportunity, says Whiteman
Government plans to give councils the option to raise council feels more like a ‘threat’ than an opportunity, finance expert Rob Whiteman has said.
Let’s ditch ‘panel game’ funding
Cllr John Merry talks to Ann McGauran about how Key Cities are faring as they look towards recovery, and says he’s approaching the White Paper on levelling up with an ‘open-minded spirit’.
Mayors key to rebuilding red wall
Labour will look to local government to spearhead its attempts to return to power at Westminster.
Future funding for local government has never been so uncertain
Many will be hoping that big ministerial changes will mean progress on big issues including levelling up, says Dan Bates. But he would settle for more clarity in one key area for local government.
Social care plan is quickly losing its sheen
The Government has a plan for asset protection but still does not have a proper plan for social care, says Richard Humphries. ‘No wonder so many involved in social care are so deeply disappointed.’
LGA backs rates revaluation reforms
The Local Government Association has backed more frequent business rates revaluations in its response to a Whitehall consultation.
Welsh Government looks at holiday home reforms
Holiday home owners in Wales could be charged the full amount of business rates amid claims people are being priced out of their local area.
Tax ‘loophole’ costs councils £110m
New research suggests business rates relief for holiday lets is currently worth £110m a year.
Business rates appeals to cost £1bn
Councils in England are braced for a £1.2bn loss as result of business rates appeals this year.
Making the most of business rates
Paul Hilsdon highlights issues councils should look at when they consider whether they are maximising the potential to secure income from business rates.
It’s only a win if everyone succeeds
For SIGOMA members – unitary and metropolitan councils across England – funding service fairly is the key, says Sir Stephen Houghton.
MPs call for urgent finance reforms
Councils should be given more flexibility to raise their own taxes and social care funding urgently needs to be reformed, MPs have said.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils push back over reserves raid threat
Council chiefs have pushed back as the Treasury eyes up the sector’s reserves in the run up to this year’s Spending Review, The MJ understands.
Treasury launches consultation for business rates revaluations every three years
The Treasury has made further moves towards business rates revaluations taking place more frequently.
Call for council powers on short-term lets
Oxford City Council has pressed the Government for new laws around Airbnb-style short-term lets.
The financial hole is not as deep as it looks
We can say with confidence that the hole councils are in is not as deep as it looks, says Rob Whiteman - 'but we still have a tremendous amount of work ahead to ensure the financial sustainability of councils, moving forward'.
Call for holiday homes clampdown
Council leaders in Wales are asking for new powers and stricter taxation on holiday lets.
EXCLUSIVE: Finance reforms in 2022-23 'challenging but possible'
Government officials believe it is still possible to introduce much-anticipated finance reforms to the sector in time for the next financial year, The MJ understands.
