Rob Whiteman
Rob Whiteman is chief executive of CIPFA
Talking about tomorrow today
How can local leaders ensure the continued health of local government finances and deliver sustainable services, but recapture and retain the faith of their communities in their ability to achieve this? Rob Whiteman explains what needs to be done.
We need leaders who give optimism that a way through must be found
Rob Whiteman says the expertise and insight of the public finance profession is fundamental to shaping sustainable services in the age of austerity.
It’s time to scrutinise scrutiny arrangements
A round table discussion highlighted key questions about what the Government should be doing, says Rob Whiteman, including whether, in the absence of an Audit Commission, it should provide some oversight and coordination to review common themes.
Crafting a solution for our sector’s funding
What the whole local government sector needs most is ‘stable, future-proofed planning’, says Rob Whiteman, and a one-year delay to the outcome of the fair funding review could be part of this process.
Prevention is better than cure
CIPFA and Public Health England have developed a framework for measuring and evaluating preventative interventions. Rob Whiteman says it takes a holistic view, using cost-benefit analysis to encourage long-term thinking and sustainability.
Whiteman: A new code is needed
Chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Rob Whiteman, says a new financial management code is vital after a decade of austerity.
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.
Is Government penny wise, pound foolish?
As councils turn more towards commercialism, now is the right time to consider if the public audit model is fit for purpose, Rob Whiteman believes
With no long term solutions, the Budget is more trickery than treats
Rather than offering the long-term funding needed by public services, the chancellor dressed up short term cash splurges as the easing of austerity, says Rob Whiteman
Critical thinking for critical times
CIPFA’s Rob Whiteman highlights the need for bold, detailed planning and decision-making to stem the tide as local authorities continue to provide services while lobbying for much needed resources from Government.
Should the sector be speaking with one voice?
Local government lacks whole-sector leadership and therefore vision, writes Rob Whiteman.
Brexit cannot allow ministers to run roughshod over communities
Meaningful fiscal devolution is an imperative after Brexit, argues Rob Whiteman.
Politics is never about a single isolated issue
I don’t think anyone can really suggest UK politics lacks excitement right now. The past 12 months have provided one surprise after another, the latest being the new Conservative/DUP arrangements.
Finance officers must be prepared for General Election shocks
Councils need to ensure their budgets are resilient, whatever the outcome of the General Election, warns Rob Whiteman.
Cash-strapped councils are in need of a lending hand
It is now more important than ever for councils to be given greater borrowing freedoms if they are to rescue their beleaguered budgets, writes Rob Whiteman.
The shifting sands of local government pension schemes
Rob Whiteman looks at the challenges ahead for local government pension schemes as government reforms take shape.
Demands for the chancellor
Councils need a medium-term solutions and not an annual sticking plaster from next week's Autumn Statement, says Rob Whiteman
Councils at a crossroads
Local government needs to choose what it wants from post-Brexit Britain, writes Rob Whiteman
Risks up ahead
Minimising the risks of the future must be a priority and devolution needs to be seen through the lens of Brexit, says Rob Whiteman
Spotting opportunities
Despite the country facing unprecedented upheavals of power, Rob Whiteman says councils need to focus on a positive future of local growth