Fraud code update, NAO cuts probe, Staffs Moorland regen fund, Heat networks funding, Edinburgh deficit doubles, Norfolk outsources recycling
0CIPFA to update fraud code
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has today launched a consultation on a new counter fraud code of practice. The voluntary “Code of Practice on Managing the Risk of Fraud and Corruption” will provide a statement of high level principles setting out counter fraud good practice across the public sector. The code will replace CIPFA’s current guidance, Managing the Risk of Fraud, commonly known as the “Red Book”.
Watchdog launches cuts probe
The National Audit Office has launched an investigation into how local authorities are responding to funding reductions along with how well government departments understand the impact of cuts. The new study is a follow-up to a report the watchdog published in January 2013 which found councils had, in general, effectively managed two years of funding reductions. It cautioned that risks to maintain services could increase for some authorities as reductions continued.
Staffordshire council mulls fund details
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is considering setting up a £5m regeneration fund to promote economic growth. The council says that the plan could deliver business space and 100 homes, whilst providing it with an income stream. The fund would use borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board, and returns could be achieved from repayment of loans, rent or sale of developed assets and from the sale of land, said an executive report to councillors.
More cash available for heat networks
The government has opened bidding for the third round of cash from a £7m fund to support local authorities exploring heat network opportunities. All councils in England and Wales can apply on a first come first serve basis through a series of funding rounds up to March 2015. There is no upper (or lower) limit for bids, but the bidding guidance said that round two bids ranged between £15,000 and £250,000.
Council and developer told to release viability information
An information tribunal has ordered developer Lend Lease and London Borough of Southwark to release information relating to a viability assessment it used in deciding the level of affordable housing to be required as part of the regeneration of a London housing estate. The tribunal called for the release of some information on the assessment relating to the Heygate Estate at Elephant and Castle, excluding details of the developer’s development model and the assessment of sales and rentals other than those to private buyers and social housing providers.
Edinburgh deficit doubles
City of Edinburgh Council’s budget deficit has more than doubled to £22m for 2015/16. The council faces an overall £120m funding gap over the next four years. According to reports, projected procurement savings had failed to match expectations, and the Scottish capital’s population growth was nearly 4% smaller than had been anticipated.
Norfolk outsources recycling centres
Norse Commercial Services has won a contract to run Norfolk County Council’s 19 household recycling centres around the county. The £5m-a-year contract comes on top of the recently announced new, ten-year deal between Norse and seven Norfolk district and city councils, for the recycling of dry materials, due to commence in October. The new agreement has seen around 110 council staff move to Norse.
