Look to the future now it’s only just begun.
Now that the dust has settled after the General Election and we have at least some prospect of a “strong and stable” government, what can local government wish for in[…]
Chris Buss
Spending Review: Rainy day funds still needed despite generous settlement
Councils need to maintain healthy reserves despite increased funding for councils through last week’s Spending Review, says Chris Buss. One of the advantages of not being a serving section 151[…]
Known unknowns: questions the Fair Funding Review still needs to answer
The government’s consultation document on reforms to local government funding left more questions than answers, says Chris Buss. Back in December the Government issued its consultation document on local government[…]
Sometimes the old ones are the best
Chris Buss suggests four ways to stimulate the building of council housing. Earlier in the year the government issued a Green Paper on social housing; since then the world has[…]
Whatever happened to…the UK Municipal Bonds Agency?
Initially, Chris Buss wasn’t the biggest fan of the UK Municipal Bonds Agency. But changed circumstances mean he now thinks it is a win-win for local government I have, as[…]
Chris Buss: CIPFA’s resilience index and the potential for unintended consequences
CIPFA’s consultation on a new index ranking the financial resilience of English councils has just closed. Chris Buss argues the proposals as they stand could have unforeseen consequences. When working[…]
Chris Buss: LGPS pooling still needs reform
Pooling is well under way but there remains outstanding issues for some. Chris Buss argues funds should be allowed to shop around pools to find the best investment products. When[…]
Chris Buss: Turn, turn, turn — in-house or contracted services
The debate over choosing in-house or contractor-provided services has reopened after high-profile suppliers encountered trouble. Chris Buss concludes there is a case for services supplied directly by councils where existing[…]
Chris Buss: Is fair funding mission impossible?
As the government’s consultation on fair funding nears its closing date, Chris Buss wonders whether it could possibly achieve its own stated aims. A few weeks ago Tom Cruise was[…]
Chris Buss: Councils need a ‘realistic’ increase in the HRA borrowing cap, not an ’empty gesture’
The autumn budget saw the chancellor lift the HRA cap by £1bn. Chris Buss argues central government needs to get over the idea that all local government debt is bad[…]
