Finance
Council leaders told to start preparing for self-isolation support scheme
English council leaders have been asked to start preparing to implement financial support for people who are required to self-isolate until the end of January.
The business rates system needs to go
Today is the deadline for the call for evidence for the Treasury’s review of business rates. Rather than tinkering with the current system, it needs to go, writes Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton.
Croydon would have issued s114 'in normal circumstances'
Croydon LBC’s £49m total net forecast general fund overspend means it would have had to have issued a Section 114 notice in ‘normal circumstances,’ senior councillors have heard.
Before reorganisation we need a clear view of the sector's core purpose
How local government 'can sensibly be reorganised without a clear view of its core purpose (will adult social care services be in or out?) or funding mechanisms' is baffling Abdool Kara.
Decisions over miserly income guarantee deal was ministers’ call
Local government calls for the income guarantee scheme to cover lost sales, fees and charges from the start of lockdown was knocked back by ministers, The MJ understands.
Frustration bubbles over wait for Brexit bonanza
The Government runs the risk of ‘levelling up everywhere at rock bottom’ as uncertainty continues to reign over funding for the regions months after Brexit.
Section 114 warning for troubled Thanet
The Section 151 officer of troubled Thanet DC has warned he may be forced to issue a Section 114 notice.
Croydon appoints Katherine Kerswell as interim chief
Crisis-hit Croydon LBC has appointed Katherine Kerswell as its interim chief executive, following the departure of Jo Negrini.
LGA backs mandatory council role in migrant children scheme
Council leaders have backed a government suggestion that the national transfer scheme for unaccompanied migrant children should be compulsory for local authorities.
Borrowing to benefit the environment
West Berkshire Council has launched the UK’s first Community Municipal Investment, enabling access to cheaper borrowing rates for environmentally focused projects. Joseph Holmes explains.
Giving certainty in an uncertain world
Chief operating officer at Cornwall Council Tracie Langley looks at how to do financial planning in an era of huge uncertainty.
Is there the political will to push through reorganisation?
Simon Clarke's unexpected resignation as local government minister begs the question of what happens now on devolution and reorganisation, says Heather Jameson. There are many reasons why restructuring is a problem, she adds.
Redmond review calls for new audit regulator
A new local government audit body should be created and ministers should change the way they judge the financial stability of councils, a review of local government audit has found.
Dream team
The introduction of a Community Wealth Fund would support the most ‘left behind’ wards in Sunderland and across England and build on some of the work the council is already doing to devolve power and resources to communities, says Cllr Paul Stewart.
Mind the gap in Scotland
The latest figures show Scotland’s deficit between income and spending compared to the deficit for the whole of the UK has widened. Michael Burton delves into the statistics.
Chief to leave after £95k deal
The chief executive of Pembrokeshire CC is expected to leave the authority by the end of November after a £95,000 ‘settlement agreement’ was struck.
LEPs need capacity boost to improve delivery, research finds
Local enterprise partnerships (LEP) would be better at delivering large-scale capital projects if they had more capacity, independent research for the Government has found.
Councils v Coronavirus: plan beats no plan
Coronavirus scenario planning exercises with councils have revealed insights into the types of decisions local leaders will need to take to support their communities, says Robert Pollock.
Government could buy up fire risk buildings
The Government has not ruled out compulsorily purchasing buildings with serious fire safety defects if the pace of remediation remains too slow.
Criticised council makes SEND investment
Bristol City Council has pledged to spend £29m on capital works to boost services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
