In a recent meeting of the Independent R&B Discussion Group, participants engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the Conservative government’s achievements and shortcomings in the realm of revenues and benefits since 2010. The discussion, marked by varied perspectives and in-depth evaluations, highlighted significant policies, their impacts, and the challenges faced by local authorities. Introduction The…
Month: June 2024
Independent R&B Discussion Group Meeting: Jun 17, 2024: Manifestos
The latest session of the Independent R&B Discussion Group was held on June 17, 2024. This session was a comprehensive discussion that covered the various political manifestos and their implications on welfare, homelessness, council tax, business rates, child poverty, and local government priorities. Welfare Policies Homelessness Council Tax Business Rates Child Poverty Local Government Priorities…
Council Tax Support Schemes: Challenges and Innovations
Overview of Oxford’s Banded Scheme Laura Bessell presented Oxford City Council’s banded scheme, initiated in 2019. She highlighted the scheme’s financial structure and its inclusive approach, particularly its protection for vulnerable groups like children and those with disabilities. Despite being one of the most expensive schemes nationally, costing £14 million annually, it stands out for…
Independent R&B Discussion Group Meeting: Jun 3, 2024: Election 2024 – Addressing Local Government Challenges and Engagement
The recent meeting of the Independent R&B Discussion Group highlighted several pressing issues affecting local government and the strategies to address them. Key themes included local tax reforms, social housing investment, the need for better funding, and the importance of engaging younger generations through modern communication platforms like TikTok. Local Government Funding and Tax Reforms…