Finance
Inflation 'biggest worry' for pension schemes
Inflation is the biggest worry for six out of 10 local government pension scheme (LGPS) professionals in England and Wales, new research has found.
Getting the hybrid model right can improve our workplace culture
If we can get the hybrid work model right in local government we can improve our workplace culture, since women will want to stay, and, in turn, we’ll do a bit more in closing the gender pay gap, says Tracy BIngham.
Government crackdown on capital spending
Councils face fresh restraints on capital spending under Government plans to lessen borrowing risks.
Future Forum: Funding gap could grow by up to £2bn
The funding gap facing the sector could grow by up to £2bn over the Spending Review period, the deputy chief executive of the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
Future Forum: No end in sight for funding pots
Two local government finance experts have predicted Whitehall will continue doling out cash through competitive pots.
Future Forum: Government must do more to help those on lowest incomes
The Government has failed to do enough for those on the lowest incomes, a top economist has told The MJ’s Future Forum event.
Investigation into 'errors' that cost Liverpool £4.5m
An investigation has been launched into ‘control failures and errors’ that cost Liverpool City Council millions of pounds.
Internet Explorer 11 retirement – what does it mean for you?
Dougie Belmore, Chief Payments Officer of Pay.UK, looks at the risks that might arise when Microsoft retires Internet Explorer 11 next month
A new way to finance councils’ net zero
There are clear advantages for councils in using community municipal investments as a financing approach to help deliver net zero targets, as John Connor explains.
Will the fair funding review be another damp squib?
David Phillips says that, if the fair funding review becomes a repeat of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, it increases the risk that the Government’s flagship levelling up agenda remains little more than a slogan.
Let's use conversations to tackle misunderstandings about councils
If we are to change people’s views about what local government achieves with the resources it has, then we must be prepared to engage with others, says Adele Taylor.
Queen's Speech: Business rates set for overhaul
It has been confirmed a ‘Non-Domestic Rating Bill’ will form part of the agenda during the next Parliamentary session.
Warrington in credit downgrade
Ratings agency Moody's said the council had moved from A2 to A3 due to 'high reliance on commercial income’.
Councils apologise for rebate errors
Swale BC has apologised for taking money out of the accounts of direct debit holders while Leeds City Council mistakenly sent out two payments to thousands of households.
Getting our finance workforce offer right
In the wake of ‘The Great Resignation’ and a skills shortage impacting local government finance teams, Tracy Bingham looks at the scale of the recruitment and retention challenge and how it should best be tackled.
Nottingham expected to bring housing back under direct control after probes
Nottingham City Council is expected to bring its housing back under direct control after two independent probes found ‘underlying issues around governance and finance’.
Call for infection control fund investigation
A call has been made for an investigation into how the infection control fund was spent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inflation to ‘make or break’ council budgets
Councils are facing soaring costs to re-procure outsourced services as new financial pressures begin to bite.
EXCLUSIVE: Post-Grenfell legal claim warning
Council landlords could face large legal claims for discrimination unless they put in place personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs) for disabled tenants, local authorities have been warned.
Councils faced pandemic fraud surge
Local authorities have faced a surge in attempted fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts have reported.
