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.
Optimism bias is a common problem that threatens local government’s financial sustainability. Risk assessments need to be credible, transparent and thoroughly stress tested, says CIPFA’s Jo Pitt.
An additional commissioner is likely to be sent into troubled Northamptonshire County Council after Ofsted found children’s services have “significantly declined”.
Like farmers, we need to monitor the signs carefully and plan accordingly to take control where we can and improve our odds of success, says financial adviser Bob Swarup.
By sharing data and jointly investing in new technologies, councils can improve resilience and cost-effectiveness, says CIPFA chief executive Rob Whiteman.
Whitehall’s cross-departmental finance function helped secure jobs when the outsourcing giant Carillion collapsed earlier this year, its chief has claimed.
Cash-strapped councils increasingly borrowing to invest in commercial properties risk local services - which are often for vulnerable people - being at the mercy of the property market, says CIPFA...
Two Northamptonshire councils have voted to accept unitary reorganisation, which means the decision can now be sent to secretary of state James Brokenshire.
