The UK’s inflation scenario presents a complex picture of stability amidst volatility, marked by continued price rises at a consistent rate and significant contributions from persistent high petrol and diesel costs. Notably, for the first time since September 2021, food and non-alcoholic drink prices have shown a decrease, including specific declines in the prices of…
Author: Malcolm
Malcolm Gardner, has had a diverse and impactful career spanning several decades, beginning in the IT industry in the 1970s and later transitioning to leadership roles in local government. His work on early Housing Benefit systems and managing Revenues and Benefits departments established him as a pioneer in using data analytics, electronic systems, and emerging technologies to improve public sector services. As a consultant, he continued to innovate, focusing on efficiency and better outcomes for end-users. His expertise extended beyond technology, as he also introduced performance management, behavioural change strategies, and set standards for local authority fraud investigations.
In 2018, Malcolm joined Team Netsol as a Senior Business Analyst, where he applied his deep understanding of technology trends to support welfare and taxation policies. Even after his retirement in 2022, his commitment to public service remained strong. He revived his company, Visionary Network, as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to modernising local government. Today, Malcolm is a leading authority on redesigning council tax and welfare schemes, continuing to influence the future of public services with his innovative vision.
Monday Discussion Group 6/11/23: Rental Market Part 2
This week, at our Monday meeting on Revenues and Benefits, we continued our conversation about the factors influencing the rental market. We reviewed The Harrison report, which highlights the trend of London renters moving to other regions, significantly impacting those local markets. For example, in some parts of Oxford, 55% of potential tenants are from…
Monday Discussion Group 30/10/23: Jobs and Rental markets: The Ignored Crisis Part One
This week, our Monday Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group had an important discussion about two connected issues. First, we talked about the job market. Paul Howarth shared insights about changes in how the Office of National Statistics (ONS) collects and reports on job market data and what it means for us. The key point to…
Monday 23/10/23 Credit Unions
This week, our Monday Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group had a great conversation about the fantastic work being done by the Bradford District Credit Union and its partners, including the Revenues and Benefits team at Bradford Council. Ian Brewer from BDCU led the discussion, and it covered a wide range of topics. One key point…
Monday 16/10/23 Cash
In this week’s Monday Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group, we talked about cash and how important it is to provide cash assistance to vulnerable households. Gareth Evans from Cash Perks, a non-profit organization that helps get cash to people who can’t access a bank account or are dealing with financial challenges, led the discussion. We…
Monday 9/10/23 Discussion: Conferences
In this week’s Monday Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group, our conversation circled around conferences and their evolving relevance and impact. We pondered upon several key questions: What are we really seeking from conferences? Beyond being a venue for an engaging party, do they foster meaningful discussions and propagate best practices effectively? Are they keeping pace…
Monday Discussion: Free CTR Modelling Tool, Chancellor on Sanctions & Kerslake on LHA.
This Monday’s chat group moved a bit from our usual path! We peeked at a nifty free tool crafted by InBest, with some help from the Visionary Network. Remember our previous talks about the need for extra public policy layers in shaping and reshaping council tax reduction schemes? We felt councils should have a tool…
Monday Discussion: What to Cut?
In our discussion last Monday, we delved into the ongoing budget reductions in revenues and benefits services. We also touched upon council tax settings and the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme. The financial strain on councils, though not entirely unprecedented, is now at a peak. A combination of reduced government support, the aftermath of COVID-19,…
Monday Discussion Regarding the State of Fraud Risks
In our recent Monday discussion group, we delved into the question of whether fraud has become a diminished risk, warranting less concern than in previous years. This intriguing subject sparked a comprehensive dialogue, enriched by the examination of contemporary statistical data. The figures indicate a moderate decrease in various forms of fraud—including benefit, insurance, and…
R&B Discussion Group 11/9 Recruitment and Retention
We are pleased to announce the successful resumption of our Monday Discussion Group, where we recently engaged in a lively and comprehensive debate on the critical topics of recruitment and retention. Our discussion spanned a variety of subjects, including the nuances of working from home, the importance of employee training, and the challenges posed by…