Council Tax
We will be here for our residents every step of the way
David Renard outlines how Swindon BC’s rapid response to the public health emergency includes a package of measures to support both residents and businesses.
Our Ofsted journey to outstanding
Cllr Shaun Davies explains how Telford & Wrekin Council’s Ofsted rating for children’s services leaped from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ due to an innovative approach to investment and a focus on workforce and good practice.
Council tax reform must be part of the business rates review
Like it or not, once the review of business rates is under way, it is hard not to see council tax reform following in its wake, says Michael Burton.
Local government needs to ‘hold the ring’ on pooled public services’ budgets
Shadow minister for local government Jim McMahon tells Heather Jameson it was irresponsible that the Budget did not mention adult social care – and he says we need an ‘honest assessment’ of councils’ and public services’ funding needs.
Government should grasp the council tax nettle
Council tax needs to be revalued and should be reformed – and this government has both the ‘levelling-up’ mandate and narrative, says David Phillips.
Winners and losers under a reformed council tax
A new study from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says revaluation of the £31bn council tax system is long overdue and proposes ways it can be reformed, as Michael Burton reports.
Reforming council tax will help government level up
Reforming council tax will help the Government deliver its levelling up agenda for the Midlands and the North, according to a new study from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank.
EXCLUSIVE: Jenrick admits no science behind flooding threshold
Local government secretary Robert Jenrick has admitted there is no science behind a threshold that determines whether councils receive cash to cope with flooding.
Council tax to rise by 3.7% on average
The average council tax bill is expected to increase by 3.7% in 2020/21, new analysis has revealed.
Westminster’s vision for the 2020s
Rachael Robathan outlines Westminster City Council’s vision for the City, with climate and environmental initiatives, digital communications and infrastructure at its core.
Council votes for climate change referendum
Warwick DC has voted to hold a referendum on a 34.2% rise in its share of council tax to fund a climate emergency action programme.
Calm prevails despite tough times
A lack of clarity on funding, including on temporary monies for social care and SEND beyond 31 March 2021 means these are challenging times, says Gary Fielding - but despite this most senior officers and councillors seem remarkably calm, he adds.
Extra council tax bands call
Former Treasury chief secretary David Gauke has called on chancellor Rishi Sunak to add additional council tax bands in next month's Budget.
Finance settlement pulled for new terror law
Tomorrow’s local government finance settlement has been pulled to make way for emergency legislation to end the automatic early release of terrorists.
Retention split negotiations founder on district fears
Talks over future division of business rates foundered over fears district councils could be left worse off, it has emerged.
'Hidden cuts' in Scottish Budget
Council leaders have complained about ‘hidden cuts’ in a Scottish Budget that will deliver £11.3bn for council services in 2020/21.
‘Stop kicking us three steps back’
Our annual local government finance survey shows most councils are planning to raise council tax – and reveals support for fiscal devolution is by no means universal. Dan Peters reports.
Our unsustainable finance system needs a reboot
Heather Jameson says the finance system is increasingly unsustainable and local government has no confidence in the Government’s plans to resolve it or to tackle the issue of funding adult social care.
Borough seeking unitary status sparks spending row
A row over council spending has broken out between a county council and a borough authority that is seeking unitary status.
DCN: Council tax allowance not sufficient
The Government’s proposed council tax referendum threshold of 2% or £5 for shire district councils is ‘not sufficient,’ the District Councils’ Network (DCN) has said.