DCLG to consult on LGPS, Suarez to Cheshire East, LGSS/Nottingham deal, London taxes…
0DCLG to launch pension merger consultation
A report prepared for Croydon Council pension committee’s meeting agenda has revealed that a call for evidence into a merger of LGPS funds is ‘widely expected’ this month. Local government minister Brandon Lewis is speaking at the National Association of Pension Funds conference next Tuesday but DCLG did not confirm the consultation. The London Pension Fund Forum had also stated in a discussion paper that it expected a consultation on the matter to be announced this month.
Suarez moves to Cheshire East
The former director for finance and resources of the London Borough of Lambeth, Mike Suarez, is to become chief executive of Cheshire East Council. Rachel Musson, the interim operating officer, also becomes Section 151 officer for the council. The council has revised its management structure and is now recruiting for a chief operating officer.
Salford Council sees BBC move ‘vindication’
Salford’s Mayor has said that the BBC’s move to Salford has vindicated the council’s decision to regenerate Salford Quays. Mayor Ian Stewart was commenting as the BBC completed the move of children and sports – involving the relocation of 1500 staff and the hiring of 250 new ones – on time and on budget. The Quays’ regeneration has contributed £1bn to the economy, the Mayor said.
Let London keep tax, says Commission
The cross-party London Finance Commission has called for greater devolution of taxes for the capital and an extension of Community Budgets. The Commission was set up a year ago and examined the potential for greater devolution and the control of resources in London. Chair of London Councils Mayor Jules Pipe commented that London retained just 7% of taxes paid in the city, compared to the 50% retained by New York.
Maude urges Cloud-buying for public sector
The government’s third G-Cloud supplier framework has gone live. The 708 companies on the framework consist mostly of SMEs. A ‘cloud-first’ approach has become mandatory for central government purchasing of IT products and services and Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office said that the policy should drive wider adoption of cloud computing in the public sector.
LGSS saves for Northampton
Shared services provider LGSS and Northampton Borough Council are finalising the details of an agreement to share services. LGSS, a partnership between Northamptonshire County and Cambridgeshire, will provide IT, HR, finance, procurement, legal and revenues and benefits services among others. Savings of £9.45m are expected over five years.
