In February, LGiU published research we’ve conducted with local finance officers on the impact and implications of the Local Government Finance Bill. The full results can be found here.
Some key findings are:
- 47% of councils thought they will lose financially through the Bill
- Only 15% of councils thought they could absorb the 10% cut in council tax benefit
- 6 out of 10 councils plan to borrow money over the next three years and whilst most envisage borrowing from the public service loans board, many will look to borrow from the capital markets, possibly through a bond issuance.
The Local Finance Bill is undoubtedly going to result in new financial opportunities and pressures on the authority’s budgets and financial plans.
This LGiU seminar is specifically designed to explain in plain language the potential financial implications of the Localism Act and Local Government Finance Bill on council finance. The seminar will allow delegates to ask questions and start to plan their response to the potential financial implications that may arise.
The Financial Implications of the Localism Actand the Local Government Finance Bill
Monday 26 March, 9.30 – 3.30
LGiU offices, London, WC1H 0TB
Cost: LGiU members, £150 – Non-members, £250
By the end of the seminar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the key new powers and responsibilities contained within the Localism Act 2012 and their potential financial implications on the council’s budget.
- Understand the key developments contained within the Local Government Finance Bill and their potential financial implications on the council’s funding and spending
- Speakers include
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Ian Fifield: Head of Training, LG Futures Ltd. Ian is a CIPFA qualified accountant with over 20 years’ experience in designing and delivering financial management training for local 01authorities and other public service organisations. Ian’s training experience includes: designing training seminars for finance professionals, service managers and elected members. He has co-authored the Centre for Public Scrutiny publications On the Money, considering effective financial and budget scrutiny methods and also Treasure Your Assets, considering local government invest and borrowing activities.
Alan Waters: Cabinet member for Resources, Norwich City Council and Learning and Development Manager, LGIU. Alan has extensive experience in dealing with the practical political issues that face elected members around budgets. Alan has delivered a wide range of training and development programmes for the LGIU. He is a Member Peer with the Local Government Group and has been a trainer for the National Councillor Mentoring Programme.
- Who should attend
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This seminar is designed for all elected members who want to understand the implications of these two key pieces of legislation. No prior knowledge of the legislation will be assumed, and all issues will be fully explained in plain English.
