S114
Croydon increases capitalisation request
Croydon LBC has asked the Government for a loan £20m more than the amount first floated weeks ago.
What a year!
The MJ reflects on another year in local government, significantly influenced by the pandemic that continues to cause havoc heading into 2021. And there’s a reassuring symmetry to the way the year is ending. Martin Ford and Ann McGauran report.
Nottingham City Council risks Section 114 if no Government bailout
Nottingham City Council risks a Section 114 notice without a significant Government bailout, says a leaked report.
MPs to investigate S114s amid Croydon collapse
MPs have launched an investigation into the financial predicament of councils in the aftermath of Croydon LBC’s Section 114 notice.
Croydon issues second Section 114 notice
The council still faces a shortfall of £66m, 21 days after its first notice was issued.
Crisis-hit Croydon approves action plan
Croydon LBC has approved an action plan to put ‘strong financial management and governance right at the heart of the organisation’.
What can we take away from Croydon’s s114 notice?
It’s immediately clear from Croydon LBC’s section 114 action that local government must recognise and respect their collective responsibility for maintaining a council’s financial health, says Rob Whiteman.
Sector braced for more Whitehall interventions
Local government is braced for further Whitehall interventions in the wake of ministers launching reviews of two councils within days of each other.
No easy way out
The pandemic is just the latest in a long list of pressures that have pushed Croydon LBC to the edge and led to the publication of a Section 114 report last week, writes Dan Peters.
Croydon issues Section 114 notice
Crisis-hit Croydon LBC has issued a Section 114 notice after extra spending controls proved not to be enough.
EXCLUSIVE: Sector faces 'second lost decade'
The local government sector has been warned it faces a ‘second lost decade’ as a new index revealed the most financially vulnerable district councils.
Spelthorne assets have 'continued to perform well'
A council criticised for borrowing millions of pounds to strike deals has said its assets have ‘continued to perform well’ despite the COVID-19 downturn.
Future Forum: Business rates retention is doomed
Moves to fund local government using the proceeds from business rates are ‘doomed,’ according to a financial expert.
Croydon would have issued s114 'in normal circumstances'
Croydon LBC’s £49m total net forecast general fund overspend means it would have had to have issued a Section 114 notice in ‘normal circumstances,’ senior councillors have heard.
Section 114 warning for troubled Thanet
The Section 151 officer of troubled Thanet DC has warned he may be forced to issue a Section 114 notice.
Income guarantee scheme details awaited
Councils are still waiting for details of the Government’s much-heralded income guarantee scheme almost six weeks after it was announced.
Ministers: Don't rely on more funding
Ministers have warned councils not to rely on more funding on top of the announcements made so far.
MPs slate ministers over sector funding
MPs have slated ministers for failing to give local government sufficient funding and urged them to ensure a 'clear and timely financial settlement’ in readiness for the next phase of the pandemic.
EXCLUSIVE: Croydon reaches out for MHCLG lifeline
Croydon LBC is understood to have made initial contact with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as it approaches Section 114 territory, The MJ understands.
Most councils will find a way to balance their books
What the sector will be announcing in the coming months are cuts to spending plans, says Tony Kirkham - meaning reduced services and jobs at the time when they should be supporting people and businesses.
