News Roundup: Devo-Manc, Scottish homes, CIPFA manifesto, Supermarket tax…

Manchester ‘earn back’ scheme simplified
Greater Manchester’s complex “earn back” deal is to be simplified as part of a package of devolution to the area’s combined authority. The new formula will give the authority more control and certainty over the funding stream, following concerns that the previous formula was difficult to understand and was holding back investment. The government has also announced that Greater Manchester will get an additional £300m for housing which will be provided in the form of recoverable loans and longer-term equity.

CIPFA calls for funding reform and devolution balancing act
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy has called for greater certainty over long-term public funding. Launching CIPFA’s manifesto for the 2015 general election chief executive, Rob Whiteman said: “The system has become broken over many years as it has struggled to manage the increasingly short sighted political cycle which places more weight on success of an announcement in the media, than on the long-term interests of country and its public finances. The report also  warned that the government should not over-devolve power and financial freedoms. It said that it supports the principle of devolution away from the centre but said “there is a balance to be struck in terms of localism and efficient provision of public services.

Scottish councils set for easier homes sales
The Scottish Government is to scrap rules which currently require councils to get its consent before selling empty council homes, according to reports. Currently, local authorities have to get permission before disposing of assets in their housing revenue accounts. But officials are considering proposals to cut this requirement.

Council seeks renewable energy partner
The Council of the Isles of Scilly has published a tender for a joint venture partner to develop renewable energy solutions. The partnership is aimed at reducing electricity bills by 20% within five years, creating electric vehicle charging points and running Science, technology, engineering, ICT, mathematics and design courses. It will also include a commercial arrangement capable of generating revenue from intellectual property created.

Derby to continue pressing for ‘supermarket tax’
Derby City Council is set to appeal against the government’s decision not to allow it to introduce increases on business rates for large supermarkets and shops. The city council wants to be able to levy an additional 8.5% on the rate on such businesses. However, communities secretary Eric Pickles last week rejected the proposal, calling it a “lazy way of thinking”.