Investment
Councils have become dependent on the PWLB as ‘first resort’ lender
June Matte says borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) is ‘easy’ – but that it’s time councils seek financial independence and take advantage of the opportunities the market offers.
Leeds secures agreements for TV and film studios
Leeds City Council has intervened to help get new TV and film studios up and running.
The thoroughly modern approach to public finance
Geoff Mulgan says the public sector needs innovation and experimentation in money every bit as much as in other functions – and he outlines some of the important ideas for bringing it up to date.
Don’t push us off the precipice
The sudden increase in the PWLB lending rate has the potential to cripple local authorities’ ability to deliver affordable homes in an already financially challenging environment, explains Cllr Sharon Taylor.
Time to change the direction of travel
Core Cities UK's Vision for Global Success and Local Prosperity report sets out some clear, practical steps that 'will set our cities free to achieve their full potential, both for themselves and surrounding areas', says Cllr Judith Blake.
Norfolk to invest £29m in care market as homes close
The scale of the challenges facing the adult social care market will be laid bare for senior councillors in Norfolk.
How to get the edge
In The EDGEWORK Manifesto, Impower makes the case for a new approach to public sector leadership and consultancy, and explores the difference between ‘complicated’ and ‘complex’ issues. Ann McGauran reports
Kent to access Woodford investment from January
Kent CC’s pension fund will begin to get access to its troubled investment in the frozen Neil Woodford Equity Income Fund in January.
Pension invests in green fund
A council pension scheme has become one of the first to invest in a new ‘green’ fund which supports low carbon technology.
Treasury hikes PWLB rate amid investment fears
Councils’ investments plans have been dealt a blow as the Treasury announced a rate hike to the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB).
Kent blocked from Woodford fund until December
Neil Woodford’s troubled investment fund has dropped nearly 20% in value since investors - including Kent CC’s pension fund - were blocked from accessing their money four months ago.
LGPS 'long way' from being forced to ditch active
Council pension experts believe the sector is a ‘long way’ from being compelled to slash costs through passive investment management despite renewed Treasury pressure.
Council launches social impact investment fund
Councils will be able to invest in secured assets that deliver a competitive market return and social impact after Warrington Council helped launch a fund.
County announces two major property investments
Cambridgeshire CC has announced the details of two major property investments in deals worth more than £60m.
Leader lobbies ministers over Youth Zones
Barking & Dagenham LBC’s leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell, has appealed to ministers to help provide a network of Youth Zones up and down the country.
Transforming public services
The decision five years ago to wind up Whitehall’s Transformation Unit resulted in a loss of capacity and expertise, according to Pat Ritchie. Now, the new Prime Minister must embrace post-austerity place-based deals, she believes.
Woodford investors should have had clearer warnings
Kent CC and other investors in City heavyweight Neil Woodford’s fund should have been given clearer warnings about the risk of suspension before it happened, it has been claimed.
A vital new voice from the edge
Britain’s Leading Edge is a new collaboration to strengthen the voice of rural areas with no major cities. Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally explains why this is important for the post-Brexit era
MPs: Government waste strategy overly-prescriptive
The Government’s proposed waste strategy is ‘overly-prescriptive’ and local authorities should be given the freedom to tailor their approach, MPs have said.
Harnessing the best of the West
Ann McGauran reports on the launch of Metro Dynamics’ report making the case for the creation of the UK’s next wealth generator – the Great Western Powerhouse