CIPFA
Local income tax best bet for fiscal devo - IFS
Local income tax would be the best option for fiscal devolution if the Government wanted to hand more powers to local authorities, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) argued today.
A taxing problem
Heather Jameson looks at the latest report from the IFS’s Local Government Finance Commission, which suggests a local income tax would be the best option for fiscal devolution.
End 'lazy language of austerity,' sector urged
Government’s choice to target councils for cuts rather than austerity is to blame for local government’s financial woes, leading finance experts have argued.
Steepest council tax rise in 15 years
The steepest climb in council tax in 15 years in Wales will take place in 2019/20, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has found.
EXCLUSIVE: Avoiding the precipice
As councils seek ways to meet the funding gap, Martin Reeves and Rob Whiteman look at the implications for the future of public services and how we need a mature debate on prevention, accountability and joined up services. Heather Jameson reports
‘We have to be a bit audacious’
On the first anniversary of taking up the top job at Surrey CC, Joanna Killian says she has a grip on the finances, but there is still a long way to go to improve services – and she is not afraid to ask for help. Heather Jameson reports
Government brushes off Kara criticism
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has brushed off criticism from a top auditor.
Roberts gets CIPFA advisory role
Brian Roberts has joined the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) in the part-time advisory role of associate director for local government.
Pensions uncertainty could last until 2020
Uncertainty over the true value of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) could ‘rumble on into next year,’ a finance expert has warned.
NAO to probe council commercialisation
Local authority commercialisation will further come under the spotlight, with the National Audit Office (NAO) preparing to launch an inquiry.
How to get back on track
What the chancellor must do in the Spending Review is tell a coherent story; one that allows for the radical and bold change that puts Government on to a sustainable financial pathway, says Rob Whiteman.
Budgeting for a level playing field
A new report looks at how budgeting to promote equality between men and women is gaining ground beyond the UK. Ann McGauran asks how much progress is being made in Scotland and England.
Spelthorne calls end to commercial investments
Spelthorne BC has announced an end to its controversial policy of commercial property investments.
Union dilution warning over merging of roles
The union that represents senior local government managers has called for the independent roles of chief financial officer and chief executive to be kept separate.
EXCLUSIVE: Brokenshire gets Brexit breakdown from chiefs
Chief executives have told communities secretary James Brokenshire Whitehall needs to be more joined up between departments and in its communications with councils over Brexit.
Keeping up standards
As councils become increasingly commercial, auditors are asking how high standards of governance and accountability can be maintained in a more risky financial climate. Michael Burton reports on a National Audit Office/The MJ round table debate
Cities have borne brunt of austerity - report
Cities have borne the brunt of austerity, a report out today has warned.
LGA backs audit fee freeze despite pressure
Smith Square has backed holding external audit fees for local government at a lower level despite pressure for a price hike to improve quality.
Merseyside combined authority announces first precept
The Liverpool city region combined authority is to levy a council tax precept for the first time.
NAO calls for 'stronger leadership' from MHCLG
The Government must improve oversight and transparency over local authorities to ensure their financial sustainability, the National Audit Office (NAO) has said.