How to be net zero by 2030
If there’s a climate emergency, shouldn’t we have an emergency response? Mark Davies discusses how Lancaster City Council has been using the principles underlying the Civil Contingencies Act to help[…]
Funding
Stewardship of public funds: the way forward
Weakened financial governance combined with the growing complexity of finance-raising schemes have produced huge challenges in local government. Grant Thornton’s Paul Dossett says that investing in finance leaders – both[…]
The s151: a prefect in a post-pandemic world
Tony Travers discusses how the prefectorial role of the section 151 officer has become more significant as austerity has hit council budgets. He suggests that the s151 will become ever-more[…]
MRP consultation: don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater
David Green calls on the government to listen to feedback on the Minimum Revenue Provision consultation and avoid unintended consequences. Local authorities can fund capital expenditure, but not revenue expenditure,[…]
How a digital revolution is upon us
Partner Content: Matt Norris from Gravis Capital Management talks to Room151 about the growing digital infrastructure sector, its key elements and the opportunities it presents to investors. R151: Can you[…]
Waste authority to issue green bond through UKMBA
The UK Municipal Bonds Agency (UKMBA) has announced the issue of its first green bond – believed to be in the region of £250m to £400m – in what could[…]
‘Funding cuts have changed the scale, shape and scope of local government’
Paul Johnson, the director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, talks to Mike Thatcher about the impact of local government funding cuts and how best to reform the finance system.[…]
Mike Thatcher: constructing a new role for local government
In his first monthly viewpoint, Room151’s new editorial director reflects on what has changed and what remains the same for local government finance over an eventful seven years. Having spent[…]
Ten of the most innovative council-run housing projects
Reports of the death of local authority house building have been greatly exaggerated. Mark Smulian looks at the resurgence of council activity in constructing new homes – for both social[…]
Councils overfunded last year but ‘chronic’ financial pressures remain
Adrian Jenkins agrees local government failed to spend all its Covid grants. But ongoing pandemic expenses mean the money will be used and funding pressures will continue. Local government is[…]
