Finance
Lib Dem leader backs business rates replacement
Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable has called for a land value tax to replace the current business rates system.
CIPFA faces member rebellion over traffic light index
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is facing opposition from its own members to its proposals for a traffic light-style resilience index, The MJ understands.
Northamptonshire library closures ruled 'unlawful'
The decision to close 21 council-run libraries in Northamptonshire was made unlawfully, a court has ruled.
Fair funding breakthrough?
A ‘three block approach’ to rates retention could provide the fairer funding solution local government is looking for. Sir Stephen Houghton explains.
A funding system that’s had its time
Are business rates a dinosaur tax? Tim Willis explores the pros and cons of the current business rates system for local authorities and calls for innovative new solutions.
Pinch point
The battle for extra cash is on as local government struggles to balance the books and councils struggle to survive. With a Spending Review and Budget to come, Heather Jameson looks at the immediate future for the sector.
Critical thinking for critical times
CIPFA’s Rob Whiteman highlights the need for bold, detailed planning and decision-making to stem the tide as local authorities continue to provide services while lobbying for much needed resources from Government.
Social housing paper dismissed as 'small step'
The Government’s long-awaited social housing Green Paper has been dismissed as a ‘small step’ towards improvement by the Conservative-led Local Government Association.
Simplified rates retention approach mooted
A separate grant to reward councils that help Government achieve its policy objectives under business rates retention could be introduced, The MJ understands.
Council tax revaluation calls grow
Finance chiefs have said it is ‘untenable’ for local government to rely on the creaking council tax system without a politically-challenging revaluation of properties.
CIPFA guidance to strengthen finance officer LEP role
Moves to strengthen the role of Section 151 officers in local enterprise partnerships (LEP) have been made by the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
DCN to hike fees
The District Councils’ Network (DCN) plans to hike its fees by up to four times for some local authorities as it runs out of legacy funding.
Suspended Sellgren leaves council
A council chief executive suspended for nine months after an independent review into problems faced by voters at the General Election has left the authority.
Government prepared to consider 'Amazon tax' - Hammond
Chancellor Philip Hammond has said the Government would be ‘prepared to consider a tax on online platform businesses based on the value generated’.
Whiteman: NHS will benefit most from Spending Review
Councils were this week warned not to expect a significant windfall in next spring’s Spending Review by the man who represents local government finance officers.
Qualified opinion for Lancashire accounts
Lancashire CC’s auditors have issued a qualified opinion on the county’s value for money work amid lingering concerns over children’s services and internal controls.
Appeal bid launched over sleep-in shifts legal dispute
The legal battle over pay for carers working sleep-in shifts is to rumble on after an appeal was lodged with the Supreme Court.
Children's services: the lives behind the numbers
Behind talk of crisis and budget pressures are children, families and our workforce. It is time to speak loud about it, says Robin Tuddenham.
Spending and tax figures continue to show imbalance
Michael Burton says the latest public finance figures are the latest evidence for greater investment and devolution outside of London and the South East
Whitehall attempts to reassure councils on Brexit
Whitehall has insisted it is working to help councils prepare for a hard Brexit despite claims some authorities have been left to fend for themselves.