Description:
The character of local government finance is changing rapidly. Direct grant funding is being replaced by retained local taxation and redistribution between councils. At the same time, the costs of providing many services are rising and causing intense budget pressures. Some authorities are using their increased financial autonomy to score real successes, while others are struggling in this new world.
This seminar will examine all of these trends. It will explain how many of the largest income streams operate and how they inter-relate, including the workings of business rate retention. It will also look at changing patterns of expenditure and the data which can be used to analyse this. Most importantly, it will provide an opportunity to consider how individual councils can respond to this changing landscape.
Programme*
09:30 Registration and refreshments
10:00 Welcome and introductions
10:10 Local government finance – the big picture
10:55 Council Tax and New Homes Bonus
11:20 Refreshment break
11:35 Business Rates and Revenue Support Grant
12:45 Health integration and public health
13:00 Lunch
13:50 Projecting income and expenditure
14:05 What councils can do – maximising income (discussion in groups)
14:55 What councils can do – cutting costs, improving services (discussion in groups)
15:45 Final comments
15:55 Close
* This programme was correct at the time of publication but may be altered to reflect speaker changes that are beyond our control.
