The Competitions and Markets Authority’s proposals to partially break up the ‘big four’ accounting firms to increase competition “will have consequences” for local government, CIPFA has said.
In dealing with the increased risks that accompany declining budgets, escalating demand and political uncertainty, public sector organisations across the UK have proven to be incredibly adaptable and...
Significant sums of public money are at risk as financial controls within councils come under increasing strain, according to the public spending watchdog for Scottish local government.
Northamptonshire County Council’s finances “remain fragile” due to a lack of robust reserves and require savings of £40m, its finance commissioner Brian Roberts has told PF.
Northamptonshire County Council’s commissioners have called for the local authority’s section 114 notice to be lifted, saying it should move from “under the shadow of this failure”.
When hard times hit, it is invariably women who are worst affected. But gender budgeting can help target public resources more effectively, CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman argues.
With the date for the UK’s departure from the EU approaching local authorities are drawing up contingency plans. But do they have the cash to fund them? Dominic Brady investigates.
The auditor general for Wales has issued public interest reports highlighting failures in financial management and governance at three community councils.
CIPFA has refined its plans for a financial resilience index for councils and is poised to rate bodies on a “suite of indicators” following a consultation with the sector.
Frontline services in Northamptonshire will be largely protected in next year’s budget, the troubled county council claimed – although council tax will rise.
Northamptonshire County Council will be on a “more sustainable financial footing” after using capital receipts to balance its budget this year, the government has said.
James Brokenshire has stepped in after government-appointed commissioners concluded Northamptonshire County Council was looking at the possibility of having to set an unbalanced budget this year.