Fiscal Freedom
Council tax system needs 'fundamental reform'
The council tax system is ‘highly regressive and unsustainable,’ and needs ‘fundamental reform,’ progressive think-tank IPPR has argued.
Cut business rates, claims Treasury's Truss
Business rates should be cut to support the private sector, chief secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, told a Smith Square debate last night.
Doubts over new taxes to fund Commonwealth Games
New forms of tax are unlikely to fill a £40m hole in funding for the Commonwealth Games budget, councillors in Birmingham have been told.
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.
Spending Review launch dependent on securing Brexit deal
Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced he plans to launch a full three-year Spending Review before the summer recess if a Brexit deal is agreed.
Call for place-based Spending Review
The Treasury should develop a new national place-based Spending Review, the independent Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) charity has argued.
NLGN in fresh fiscal devolution call
Only full fiscal devolution with comprehensive tax-raising powers at a local level will deliver the change communities crave, a report by the NLGN think-tank has urged.
Call for tourism tax review
An inquiry into cultural investment in cities has called for a UK-wide review of the benefits of a tourism tax.
Denver tax 'demonstrates fiscal devolution need'
The introduction of a 0.25% sales tax in Denver is ‘further proof of the need for devolved political power in the UK,’ a local government finance expert has suggested.
Business backs Edinburgh tourism tax
Seven out of 10 Edinburgh businesses back plans for a tourism tax in the city, a survey has found.
Gwynne: There's been no end to austerity
Opposition politicians have hit out at the Government’s record on funding the sector at the County Councils’ Network conference today.
Tax experts dismiss local VAT call
Tax experts have dismissed the idea of local VAT despite calls from MPs and the London Finance Commission.
EXCLUSIVE: Councillors silenced on secret fiscal devolution report
Senior councillors have been warned not to talk about a secret Local Government Association (LGA) report that models what fiscal devolution might look like, The MJ has been told.
Dawes invites tourism tax call
Marsham Street has given its clearest indication yet that it could be open to considering council calls for a tourism tax.
Forbes calls for new funding approach
Senior vice-chair of the Local Government Association (LGA), Cllr Nick Forbes, has called for a ‘very different approach’ to the way councils are funded.
COSLA in tourism tax call
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities’ (COSLA) president today called for more financial power for councils, starting with the discretion to introduce a tourism tax.
Case for Edinburgh tourist tax builds
Edinburgh City Council leader, Cllr Adam McVey, has argued a small tourist levy would be in the ‘best interests’ of residents, businesses and visitors.
Andy Street: Championing the West Midlands
Mayor Andy Street believes the West Midlands is experiencing an economic revival, but if all communities are going to share in that success, he needs more support from the Government. Sam Clayden reports.
Labour in tourism tax call
Labour has urged the Scottish Government to bring forward plans for a tourist tax after council leaders backed the move.