The discussion group held on Monday, June 26, delved into the topic of local tax collection. Our esteemed facilitator, Kevin Stewart, skilfully guided the session. Last year’s accomplishments by the councils, despite the challenges faced, were truly commendable. Kevin rightfully emphasized that the Council should take pride in its success. However, it is crucial to…
Month: June 2023
Risks and Successes: An Analysis of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates Collection
Over the past year, local authorities in the UK have exhibited impressive financial performance in terms of tax collection. In the fiscal year 2022-23, local authorities collected a staggering £36.5 billion in council tax, marking a significant £2.0 billion or 5.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. This was primarily driven by increased council tax…
Discussion Group: Inflation, mortgages, and Council Tax
This week’s discussion group delved into the complex topic of mortgages and inflation in relation to council tax. Overall, there was a consensus that although mortgages and inflation may seem tangential to the administration of council tax, they play a crucial role in shaping policies and strategies, as they significantly impact citizens and their financial…
The Role of Council Tax in Inflation and its Impact on Collection and Support
Inflation in the UK has surpassed experts’ predictions, reaching 8.7% in May, higher than the expected 8.3%. This persistent inflationary pressure raises concerns about a potential interest rate hike by the Bank of England, further exacerbating difficulties for families and businesses. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy prices, has risen to a 30-year high…
Examining the Trials and Implications of Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Welcome back to our discussion group! After a short break, we reconvened with renewed enthusiasm to delve into the fascinating topic of Universal Basic Income (UBI). Our conversation revolved around the trials conducted to assess the viability and impact of UBI. However, we discovered that none of the trials thus far truly represented a comprehensive…
Universal Basic Income Trials: A Beacon of Hope for a More Inclusive Society
In the face of growing economic disparities and financial instability, Universal Basic Income (UBI) is taking centre stage in the global discourse on social welfare. The concept, although greeted with skepticism and praise in equal measure, holds the promise of economic security for all. The UK is venturing into this arena with Wales and England…
Legal Aid on the Brink
As a result of inflation, the UK government has adjusted the means test thresholds for legal aid in England and Wales. Each year, over 2 million more people will be eligible for civil legal aid as a result of this change. The provision of legal aid is declining, so eligibility does not guarantee access. In…