It has been a couple of weeks since the last session. So, we have had a bumper session. Out of the discussion points we focused on social tariffs for broadband, and the ongoing issue of bad housing where housing benefit or universal credit is covering the rent. We also touched on the impact of sanctions….
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.
Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group 03/04/2023
At Monday’s Discussion Group, our main discourse was on the recent High Court ruling on a Croydon CTR case. It is a significant case and raises many questions. More importantly it demonstrates the importance of understanding the wider law when constructing a CTR scheme. Three key points came out of the discussion 1) Can a…
Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group 20/3/2023
At Monday’s Discussion Group, Paul Howarth provided a comprehensive overview of the Chancellor’s budget, drawing on the viewpoints of the IFS, Resolution Foundation and Policy in Practice. The discussion was lively with views on how it would affect revenues and benefit departments. There is much for councils need to consider, especially how childcare provision will…
Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group 13/3/2023
Good day to you In Monday’s Discussion Group, we talked about two things. The turmoil in the banking system highlights the risk of small tech start-ups. Small suppliers often provide satellite support to the main revenues and benefits back-office systems. Doing all kind of additional functions often relating to data collection and automation. Silicon Valley…
R&B Discussion Group 06/03/2023
Good morning to you At Monday’s Discussion Group we discussed HB recovery and how rail fare increases affect those on low pay and those seeking work. In the slide pack I have included some statistics on HB overpayment recovery and write-offs. The rail fare increases relate to integrated transport policies and subsidised travel. Something that…
Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group 27/02/2023
Monday 27 February’s Discussion Group looked at two hot topics. Universal Free School Meals and Performance Related Bonus Payments. For those of you who are interested in the former, the trigger for the debate was the new London scheme and the forthcoming Welsh scheme. In the pack there is a slide on FSM schemes in…
Independent R&B Discussion Group — Automation Special 4
The fourth and final session of our “Automation February” workshops was on Thursday 23/2/23. We had two final speakers Jon Gibbs Malcolm Gardner Jon gave a great presentation on automating processes and an indication of the savings that can be made. This session gave real clarity on what could and should be done to reap…
Revenues & Benefits Discussion Group 20/2/23
This Monday’s Discussion Group gave some feedback on how year-end had been going. We also debated the job market and specially figures that were showing that some 9 million workers had disappeared from the jobs market. Many taking early retirement but a significant increase in long-term sickness. We also examined retail sector job and store…
R&B Independent Discussion Group Automation Special 3/4
This week we had the third session of our “Automation February” workshops with three interesting speakers Zoe Charlesworth Daniel Pearce Malcolm Gardner A great case study from Daniel Pearce, which really got under the skin of how automation realistically works and can produce real savings for the local authority and better services to the citizen….
R&B Independent Discussion Group 13/2/23
On Monday’s Independent R&B Discussion (13/2/23) we focused on the case R(K) vs DWP. A Universal Credit overpayment case and lesson on how administrators do not have right to exercise recovery powers, just because those powers are there. Also, the importance of publishing guidance. We also discussed the IFS report on LHA rates and the…