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Richard Harbord examines the impact of the government’s legislative proposals on councils, and concludes that local authorities expect and need more from central government. However you view the parliamentary programme[…]
The government plans to axe section 106 agreements in favour of an infrastructure levy, but Richard Harbord warns that consultation paralysis, levelling-up concerns and developer opposition could block any progress.[…]
Richard Harbord is reassured that the chancellor has a plan, though a little concerned that Rishi Sunak didn’t have one before today’s Spring Statement and that he retains faith in[…]
Richard Harbord discusses government plans in the levelling up white paper for LGPS funds to invest up to 5% of their assets in infrastructure projects that support local areas. Most[…]
Uncertainty remains across the public sector, and is unlikely to be resolved any time soon. Those responsible for local government finance can expect another frustrating and testing year ahead. New[…]
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove has indicated moves to 75% retention of business rates have been abandoned as government seeks other ways to redistribute income. Richard Harbord attempts to steer[…]
Auditors face a recruitment crisis. Historic figures in local government audit, writes Richard Harbord, must be turning in their graves. As always when faced with the excitement of current local[…]
In a recent report the think tank Localis wrote that council commercial activity has come to be viewed by many as “inherently risky”. Richard Harbord argues that councils have a[…]
Deadline slips as auditors and finance grapple with remote working and valuations. Being a section 151 officer in a local authority is absolutely the best job there could possibly be.[…]
The crisis in Liverpool and a fix for education budgets are further indication that local government finance is in need of a root and branch review. Even for those students[…]
