CIPFA
We need a new philanthropy
There is a lot more scope for investing in prevention and a partnership across a place is vital if we are to prevent the needs of tomorrow, according to Tony Kirkham.
Keeping risk away
Kirsty Stanners explains how the Government is planning ways to prevent councils taking on high and disproportionate levels of debt.
Extending audit deadline will 'distract finance teams'
Extending the deadline for publishing audited local authority accounts to the end of September for six years will ‘distract councils’ finance teams,’ the Government has been 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.
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils warned to budget for 4% pay increase
Councils have been warned by local government employers to budget for pay rises of at least 4% this year, The MJ understands.
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’.
Good financial management is the secret to successful integration
Adopting a whole-systems approach will be key to the success of Integrated Care Systems. However, to be effective this must be driven by all partners at all levels of leadership, says Rob Whiteman.
Sunak’s statement misses the mark for the most vulnerable
The Government has made this mini budget more about political gestures than effecting real change, says Joanne Pitt at CIPFA.
Government confirms Copeland bailout
The Government has granted Copeland BC’s request for a capitalisation direction worth up to £1.5m.
Investing in infrastructure is key to turning the tide on inequalities
The Government needs to act to ensure pre-existing inequalities don't worsen, says Rob Whiteman. Investing in infrastructure is a good place to start.
Report finds Havant could financially become a standalone council
Havant BC will dip into its reserves as part of a package of measures to prepare for ending its partnership with East Hampshire DC.
The recipe for integration lacks some key ingredients
Dr Eleanor Roy of CIPFA sets out what is required if the vision of the integration White Paper is to be achieved. At the moment it provides ‘more questions than answers’.
End of an era for energy firms?
With the high profile demise of a series of local authority-owned energy firms, Martin Ford asks if it is the end of councils dipping their toes in the energy markets or if a spark of life still remains.
'Emergency consultation' launched on accounting rules
Temporary changes to the code of practice were requested by the Government to resolve 'timeliness' issues.
Council reserves grow by £10bn
The amount held in local authority reserves in England has increased to £29bn by the end of 2020-21 from £19bn in 2019-20, the latest figures have revealed.
Supporting a more financially resilient sector
Rob Whiteman looks at CIPFA's eight assurance reviews of the councils that asked the Government for capitalisation directions, and reviews the common themes that emerged.
Global lessons in levelling up
The experiences of four international cities that have shown significant success in tackling regional inequalities can inform the UK’s levelling up agenda, says Jeffrey Matsu of CIPFA.
Copeland to ask Government for £1.5m capitalisation
Copeland BC is to ask ministers for access to £1.5m in support after a Government-commissioned review laid bare the financial issues facing the authority.
Ready for the resolution
At the opening of 2022, Ann McGauran and Heather Jameson look at what the coming year may bring – all the priorities and the unresolved policy problems that will make up our New Year's resolutions.
