Budget
Government achieves first current budget surplus for 16 years
The Government has achieved its first current budget surplus since 2002, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
ADASS: Green paper to 'jump-start' care finance debate
This summer's social care green paper will 'jump-start' the debate on making the sector financially sustainable, minister Caroline Dinenage has pledged.
Time to make big decisions on care
The future options for funding adult social care are going to leave central government with some stark choices, the latest report from the IFS has claimed. Heather Jameson reports.
Javid says he needs 'stronger case' on HRA
Local government secretary Sajid Javid has urged the sector to use headroom in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to boost his case for further action.
Labour accuses Government of 'holding back' sector
Labour MPs have urged ministers to provide ‘strategic vision’ for local government.
Should the sector be speaking with one voice?
Local government lacks whole-sector leadership and therefore vision, writes Rob Whiteman.
The MJ/NAO round table: Fallout from the Budget
The MJ and the National Audit Office have launched a series of round table debates with local authority chief executives and directors whose outcomes will help inform the NAO’s forthcoming programme of reports. The first, held last month, asked invited participants to comment on chancellor Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Budget. Michael Burton reports on the conclusions
LGA attacks 'counter-productive' cut
A cut to councils’ public health grants has been criticised by the Local Government Association (LGA) for being ‘short-sighted and extremely counter-productive’.
Scots Budget reveals plan to increase income tax bands
The Scottish Government has unveiled a draft budget which raises income tax in a bid to raise an extra £164m to pay for public services.
A leap into the unknown
Sam Clayden guides us through the biggest events of a tumultuous year.
Scots must boost productivity to pay for public services
The Scottish Government will need a clear plan to support growth and productivity in its Budget this week if it is to pay for its public service commitments, an independent research unit has claimed.
Corridors of power
Conservative Party special advisers Simon Fortescue-Smythe and Julian Ponsonby are speculating about next year’s spending plans over a bottle of bubbly…
Beecham launches scathing attack on Budget
Former chair of the Local Government Association, Lord Beecham, has launched a scathing attack on chancellor Philip Hammond’s Budget plan – arguing it does little to help councils tackle crises in housing, social care and children’s services.
Industrial Strategy 'lacks focus on inclusive growth'
The Government has failed to offer a compelling narrative around inclusive growth, Leeds City Council’s chief executive has warned.
Prove success of devo deals before asking for more, warns chief executive
Local government should be careful of asking for too many devolution deals before they have proved the success of the one’s they’ve already got, the chief executive of Halton BC has warned.
Budget that gives no one any certainty
We don’t have a stable situation and things will have to change, writes Dan Corry, as he dissects the Budget and finds it hollow.
How councils can spend extra DFG cash - quickly
As councils submit requests for their allocation of the extra disabled facilities grants announced in the Budget, Paul Smith explains what the money can be spent on and how councils can spend it before the March 2018 deadline.
Budget forecasting for public finances is hit and miss
One conclusion from covering many Budgets is that forecasting is more an art than a science, writes Michael Burton.
County council rejects devolution plans
The prospect of devolution to Lancashire were dealt a blow yesterday after four councils including the county council rejected the idea of a combined authority.
What does the Budget mean for local government?
The lack of announcements on social care and children's services are the main explanation for the reduction in council reserves - a trend that is not sustainable, says Gareth Davies.