Warwick votes for referendum on 34.2% council tax increase
Warwick District Council has become the first authority to back a referendum on increasing its council tax share above the 2% limit. Residents will be asked on 7th May to[…]
151 News
LGPS board holds off on ‘fiduciary duty’ guidance
A key element of the planned guidance on responsible investment for Local Government Pension Scheme member funds has been put on hold because of uncertainty over the impact of the[…]
Peterborough plans £7m repeat of controversial capital receipts treatment
Peterborough City Council has revealed plans to use £7m of capital receipts to help balance its in-year revenue budget and 2020/21 spending proposals – despite controversy surrounding similar moves in[…]
Council audit fees set to be frozen amid increasing pressures on firms
The fees council pay for their external audits are set to be frozen for the second year running despite increasing cost pressures on audit firms, according to the body responsible[…]
‘Dangerously low’ reserve levels prompt 8% rates rise
A Northern Ireland council has voted to increase its domestic rate bills by almost 8% after being told by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) that its[…]
Audit questions Aberdeen’s income generation record
Aberdeen City Council has a patchy record of planning and monitoring its service-boosting income generation proposals – many of which fail to meet their budgeted targets, an internal audit report[…]
EXCLUSIVE: Bonds agency goes to market with £350m inaugural bond
The UK Municipal Bonds Agency (UKMBA) today launched its long-awaited first bond into the market, ending a six-year wait. In January, Room 151 broke the news that the UKMBA was[…]
Edinburgh sets out £2.5bn housing-investment plans
Proposals to invest almost £2bn in delivering new council homes and close on £500m to upgrade existing social-housing and tenant services over the next decade are set to be agreed[…]
NAO: Councils’ commercial property activity raises questions over prudential framework
The government’s spending watchdog has urged the government to review the regime governing councils’ capital spending, concluding that their activity in the commercial property market raises questions about whether it[…]
Shared service venture to create “finance academy” for managers
A back office shared services initiative run by three London councils is to create a “finance academy” to improve budget management and financial control. The move is being made as[…]
