PAC
Council governance systems ‘inadequate’ for austerity era
The Government has not done enough to ensure that governance systems in local authorities are suitable for an ‘era of financial pressure and rapid change,' MPs have warned.
MPs criticise children's social care progress
MPs have accused the Department for Education (DfE) of still not doing enough to make the quality or finances of children’s social care sustainable.
Government brushes off Kara criticism
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has brushed off criticism from a top auditor.
Campaigners press for audit legislation review
Campaigners have pressed for review of the five-year-old Local Audit and Accountability Act to ensure it works ‘in the interest of local citizens’.
Spending report attacks 'unambitious' ministry
Marsham Street has ‘an unacceptable lack of ambition’ for local government – with no aspiration for improving finances beyond merely ‘coping’, according to a scathing Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.
MHCLG rejects performance call
Marsham Street has rejected MPs’ call to publish a regular breakdown of council performance across a range of services.
Auditors launch governance and accountability inquiry
Whitehall’s watchdog has launched an investigation into local government governance and accountability that will be delivered to MPs next year.
LEPs told to improve ahead of EU funding changes
Fresh concerns have emerged about local enterprise partnerships (LEP) as the Government considers whether to use them to funnel UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) cash.
Whitehall offers three-year IFRS 9 override
The Government has proposed introducing a three-year statutory override of new rules that change the way councils treat investments in their final accounts.
MHCLG to consider financial sustainability ahead of Spending Review
Marsham Street will embed its local authority sustainability tool in its preparations for next year’s Spending Review.
Simon Stevens outlines 'opportunity to review' Better Care Fund
The social care green paper and NHS’ 10-year plan provides an ‘opportunity to review’ the Better Care Fund (BCF), NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens has suggested.
Hillier laments Whitehall cost shunting
An influential MP has raised concerns about Whitehall cost shunting.
MHCLG will not recover £36m overpayments
Millions of pounds overpaid to local authorities by the Government will not be recovered, Marsham Street has confirmed.
MHCLG: A lot can be gained from unitary
A unitary structure could save money and improve effectiveness, top civil servants have said in their clearest signal yet of a Government view on reorganisation.
Dawes: Spending Review limit on long-term funding deal
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) officials have backed the concept of a long-term funding deal for the sector but offered no future guarantees.
CIPFA plea on LEP principles
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has appealed for help as it draws up principles for officers dealing with local enterprise partnerships (LEP).
Dawes: MHCLG could improve Whitehall engagement
Marsham Street’s most senior civil servant has admitted the department could be more structured in its engagement with the rest of Whitehall.
Dawes: Another Section 114 possible
Marsham Street's top official has told MPs she cannot give them a ‘categorical assurance’ there will not be another Northamptonshire-style collapse.
MPs call for 'credible, long-term plan' for social care
MPs have called on ministers to outline a ‘credible, long-term plan’ to reverse the perception of English social care as a ‘source of national shame’.
Javid and Gwynne clash over finance settlement
Communities secretary Sajid Javid clashed today with his Labour rival Andrew Gwynne over errors in the provisional settlement as he saw off a threatened rebellion.