Richard Harbord: a clear vision needed for local government
As we move nearer to the autumn budget, the excitement begins to mount and the rumours about its content come thick and fast. When the big day arrives it is,[…]
Richard Harbord
Richard Harbord: local government ‘fudge and muddle’ demands new directions
My book of choice this summer, working as I have throughout August, was published in 1888 and deals with the introduction and amendments to the Local Government Act 1888. Lucky[…]
Richard Harbord: Summer is a peak time for positive thinking and grappling with the future
The summer is here but this is usually a busy time for finance departments as they gear up for the next budget. Richard Harbord says the burden of producing[…]
Leadership desperately needed as local government faces great uncertainty
I am avoiding any comment on the election. Whatever will be ,will be and whatever will be will not help local government over much. There are however an interesting number of[…]
Richard Harbord: Budget difficulties — it’s not all about social care
As we start the new financial year it is obvious that things are not likely to get any easier for section 151 officers. Although it will be much more of the[…]
Richard Harbord: Budget 2017, not such a bad day for local authorities
I suppose that most people would regard the 2017 and last ever spring budget to be a little bland. It confirms the decisions already taken about indexation of tax[…]
Richard Harbord: Would government help a council facing financial failure?
The article last week on Room 151 by Chris Game of INLOGOV about Section 24 authorities is a gripping one. I have been most interested in the last 12 months[…]
Richard Harbord: Slow work on business rates and Surrey’s council tax referendum
Local government now has a business rates bill but, Richard Harbord says, there is still uncertainty as officers wait for a new consultation paper. Meanwhile, it gets personal in Surrey where the[…]
Richard Harbord: Goodbye 2016, and a not so warm welcome to 2017
A sustained crisis in social care funding, complications in business rates devolution and the lack of clarity around Brexit all make for an uncertain year ahead in local government. Nobody[…]
Richard Harbord: The local government settlement is a ‘fudge’ and a ‘muddle’
The local government settlement saw changes to the New Homes Bonus and council tax to support adult social care. Richard Harbord argues it contained no new money and ‘no long-term[…]
