The financial flexibilities needed for economic development

Posted in: Local Government Finance / The financial flexibilities needed for economic development

This project is about providing the vital flexibilities needed for local government to move forward on a broad footing towards financial independence. This includes providing incentives to promote growth and economic development as well as to ensure that there is sufficient capital financing tools available to support local areas.

9 Articles

Business rates reform is ‘once in a generation opportunity’ says Localis Chief Executive
[, Oct 24, 2011]

Localis today submitted their response to the government’s consultation on business rates reform. In it, the local government think-tank outlined its proposed model for a new system of National Non-Domestic Rates which, the response argues, can form a vital cog in any growth strategy for the coming

Funding Infrastructure
[False, Sep 19, 2011]

Funding infrastructure in an age of localism (in association with Lloyds Banking Group)

Councils Need Control of Business Rates
[, Jan 27, 2011]

Localis has welcomed with open arms many of the coalition government’s policies to decentralise power to local government and communities. But without genuinely rebalancing the control of finances between central and local government, the government’s commitment to decentralise power will only go so

The 'EasyCouncil'
[, Feb 26, 2010]

Mike Freer, the former leader of the London Borough of Barnet explains the "easyCouncil" approach that would allow the council a greater personalisation of its budget.

The Future Shape of the Council Programme
[, Apr 14, 2009]

A programme looking into how to deliver high quality services at a lower cost—allowing the Council to develop through partnerships and harnessing innovation from staff and other partners.

Local economic identity check
[, Feb 11, 2009]

Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES - "Early last week, CLES hosted a small round table discussion with Localis and our members on local economic success. In this, I was struck by a strong sense that in economic terms we need to start boosting the local"

How Can Local Authorities Contribute to the Economic Regeneration of Deprived Areas?
[, Oct 1, 2008]

This paper is the first in a series of publications, with submissions by leading figures across a number of Councils across the UK, aided by Localis, with the aim of creating a dialogue between Local Authorities and policy makers about some of the most important issues and experiences that Councils

Paying for Local Investment: New Finance Mechanisms for Local Government
[, Mar 1, 2005]

This report is a supplement to a previous joint report by nef (the new economics foundation) and Policy Exchange on the reform of the revenue finance system of local government in England, Nothing to lose but your chains: Reforming the English local government finance system,1 and focuses on th

I’m a Councillor, Get me out of here: England’s System of Local Government Finance
[, Jun 4, 2004]

This volume briefly reviews the revenue and capital finance system available to local government in England and examines the recent changes to the system under the Blair government.

Related Local Government News Articles

12 Related Local Government News Articles

Cockell: whole place budgets should expand to meet demand
[, Nov 14, 2011]

Council bosses have complained Whitehall resistance to developing and extending the community budgets programme is hindering attempts to boost local regeneration plans.

Wandsworth again pledges lowest tax
[, Feb 19, 2010]

Wandsworth is again ready to boast the lowest council tax in the UK for an average Band D property after proposing a freeze for the third year. Deputy council leader Maurice Heaster said the council’s low tax record should serve as a benchmark for national government.

Give councils the power to set benefits
[, Jan 28, 2010]

Interesting report in The Guardian that the Shadow Treasury team are in talks with Conservative councils about handing over to Town Halls the responsibility for setting and distributing certain benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance.

Councils may get power to set benefits
[, Jan 27, 2010]

Under the proposal, benefits would be lower where it was easier to find work, and councils would also be given incentives to help people find jobs, according to Phillip Hammond

Councils plan low tax increases
[, Nov 5, 2009]

Council tax bills in England could rise by an average of 1.6% next year - the lowest increase for more than a decade, according to a survey. The Local Government Chronicle magazine asked councils what they were planning, although budgets have yet to be set.

Nice view? Off-street parking? That'll cost you
[, Jul 27, 2009]

Home owners face paying more council tax simply for enjoying nice views or having a patio or off-street parking. Officials have secretly assessed more than 11million homes for 'desirable features' as Labour prepares for a revaluation of council tax after a General Election. Ministers admit the Valua

Council tax rises hit 100,000
[, Jun 8, 2009]

More than 100,000 families have been hit by higher "stealth" council tax bills because their properties have been improved or extended. These have been attacked as a tax on home owners who want to better their properties and neighbourhood.

Annual council spending up £10bn
[, May 29, 2009]

English councils’ spending rose by £10bn to £154bn in 2007-08, according to a National Statistics publication. The annual Local Government Financial Statistics showed three-fifths of gross income in 2007-08 came from central government, a fifth of it from redistributed non-domestic rates

Councils warned over member allowances
[, May 28, 2009]

Local government minister John Healey has warned councils to get a grip on the number of councillors receiving additional allowances. He added that there was no evidence of abuse however.

End of business rate relief
[, Mar 22, 2009]

Tens of thousands of small companies will see their business rates increasing

Pensions eat up a quarter of council tax
[, Feb 4, 2009]

A quarter of all council tax is going to meet the soaring cost of the gold-plated pensions of town hall workers.

Business rate rise to be biggest in 16 years
[, Feb 3, 2009]

Business rates are set for their biggest rise since the modern system began in 1993.

• "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
• "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
• "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

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