10 March 2025 – The discussion among key stakeholders in the Independent R&B Discussion Group, focused on topics that ranged from the latest developments in CTR analytics to housing strategies and welfare reform. Moderated by Malcolm Gardner, the session brought together a diverse group of experts who candidly shared their experiences and ideas.
Transforming CTR Analytics for Local Authorities
Malcolm Gardner opened the meeting by outlining the evolving challenges faced by local authorities in managing CTR (Council Tax Reduction) schemes amid ongoing welfare and funding pressures. He emphasised that the continual review and adaptation of CTR models had become essential given the increasing demand for data-driven decision making.
It was further explained that a more agile approach offered substantial benefits, with new self-service analytical tools replacing the previously cumbersome process of email exchanges and spreadsheets. These interactive systems now allow local authorities to run multiple schemes almost instantaneously, significantly reducing turnaround times and enhancing overall efficiency.
Manu, whose demonstration formed a key part of the session, described how his team had enabled local authorities to upload administrative data and experiment with various configurations in real time. He highlighted that what once took days now could be achieved in approximately 30 seconds. “Local authorities value this flexibility,” Manu noted, as he detailed the iterative process that accommodates around 15,000 cases per run, with robust data cleaning and immediate feedback mechanisms.
Housing Strategies and the Impact of Property Purchases
Housing issues formed another core element of the discussion. Tom Clark provided insights into the strategic property acquisitions by London borough councils, such as those undertaken by Enfield. He explained that councils were increasingly purchasing properties outside their traditional boundaries as a means to accommodate overspill from central London.
“Even small councils, like those in the Cotswolds or Gloucester, are engaging in such purchases when the cost benefits are clear,” Tom remarked. However, he also noted the complexities involved in managing non-local residents, which could lead to community tensions and challenges in service delivery.
Bob Wagstaff and Paul Howarth contributed further by drawing parallels with past experiences in housing, including the legacy of London overspill in the 1970s and subsequent shifts in policy. They discussed the delicate balance between ensuring affordable housing and maintaining community integrity, while also reflecting on the impact of housing policies on local economies.
Welfare Reform and Social Mobility: A Persistent Conundrum
The conversation then shifted to welfare reform, with Malcolm Gardner introducing the subject by highlighting proposed changes targeting incapacity and long-term sickness benefits. Paul Howarth raised pertinent questions about the broader implications of these reforms, particularly the potential for unintended consequences when altering support for those with disabilities.
Gareth Morgan observed that despite well-intentioned measures, there was an inherent risk in disconnecting disability from the ability to work. He argued, “Disability does not automatically equate to an inability to work, and the new assessment framework may not address the underlying issues of poverty and ill health.”
The debate was further enriched by contributions from Elizabeth Whitehead-Davies, who reflected on historical precedents, and Nicki Duckworth, who noted the slow but positive impact of detaching certain benefits from Universal Credit. Collectively, the group underscored the need for a dual approach that both improves income support and strengthens health services to break the cycle of poverty and ill health.
New Fiscal Measures: Packaging Tax and Local Impact
In the latter part of the meeting, attention turned to emerging fiscal policies. Malcolm Gardner introduced the new packaging tax—a levy on food retailers and supermarkets intended to raise funds for local authority services, such as adult social care. He detailed how this ‘stealth tax’ could add up to an extra £56 per household annually, with 85% of the cost expected to be passed on to consumers.
Gareth Morgan queried the local nature of the tax and its potential to drive unintended behavioural shifts, such as a move towards plastic over glass packaging. Tom Clark concurred that these fiscal measures, while aimed at supporting underfunded local services, could have wider economic repercussions if not carefully managed.
John O’Neill concluded by noting a trend towards central government engagement with business in the procurement process for such taxes. “The focus is increasingly on reducing the administrative burden on local authorities,” he stated, hinting at a future where greater resources may be allocated to ensure smooth implementation.
Conclusion
The meeting provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges confronting local authorities today. From streamlining CTR analytics and rethinking housing strategies to re-evaluating welfare reforms and introducing new fiscal measures, the discussions revealed a landscape in flux—one that demands both innovative solutions and thoughtful policy responses.
The insights shared by Malcolm Gardner, Gareth Morgan, Manu, Tom Clark, Paul Howarth, Bob Wagstaff, Elizabeth Whitehead-Davies, Nicki Duckworth, and John O’Neill underscore the complexity of these issues, and the importance of collaborative, evidence-based approaches in navigating them.
The recording is available from here
Documents to be downloaded
Please note that the handout contains additional slides covering other items of interest in the news and job adverts, which are provided in partnership with Business Smart Solutions (https://www.businesssmartsolutions.co.uk/).