News round-up: New section 151 officer at RBKC, Wales’ EU funding, IR35 warning

Bartle appointed at Kensington & Chelsea
Kevin Bartle has been appointed as the director of finance and section 151 officer at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Bartle previously worked at London Borough of Haringey, where he was assistant director for finance and chief finance officer. He joined the royal borough on an interim basis in November 2015.

Wales calls for protection of EU funding
Wales has already invested 65% of its EU structural funds allocation for 2014-20, according to the Welsh Government. In addition, the administration has submitted its final claim to the European Commission for £95m in relation to the 2007-13 programmes, bringing the total amount drawn down to the maximum £1.8bn allocated during that funding round. Finance secretary Mark Drakeford said: “It is vital Wales receives replacement funding from UK sources after 2020 at the same level we currently receive from the EU so we can continue to address long-term challenges and support our economy to grow.”

Council contractors warned over IR35
Professional body IPSE (The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed), has advised all contractors to check their IR35 tax status amid confusion and uncertainty over the newly implemented public sector rule changes. From 6 April, public sector organisations are responsible for checking the IR35 status of engagements rather than the contractor. But IPSE said that many public sector bodies have been taking a blanket approach and incorrectly deeming many engagements to be inside IR35. IPSE chief executive Chris Bryce said: “If the government are going to make such substantial changes more time should have been given to allow all affected parties to prepare.”

Think tank: ‘Boost local tax powers’
Local authorities north of the border should be given full control of local taxation, according to think tank Reform Scotland. In a report due to be released next week it will say that council tax and business rates should be devolved in full, along with the power to raise new taxes. Reform Scotland’s director Geoff Mawdsley said: “Local democracy in Scotland is severely constrained because councils have insufficient power to do what they would like to do and are, therefore, not genuinely accountable to local voters.  In large part, that is because local authorities have almost no control over local taxation.”

Shire councils improve online council tax application process
Councils are improving their online platforms for residents to receive council tax concessions, according to a new survey. Socitm, the society for local government IT professionals, says that 60% of English shire districts offer a good or very good online service for residents to apply for a council tax discount. Last year, the figure stood at 57%, Socitm said.