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…
Category: Administration
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…
The Risks of the UK’s Universal Credit Childcare Policy: An Uphill Battle for Parents
The UK government has recently announced changes to the Universal Credit childcare policy, which will allow parents to claim increased amounts to cover childcare costs. While this may sound like a positive development, there are underlying risks and challenges that need to be addressed. In this blog, we will explore the potential risks associated with…
UK Government Outsourcing: Rewarding Corporate Misconduct?
How does the UK government reward companies that violate regulations and face more than £500m in fines? It outsources essential public services to them. Let’s call it out as it is. Recent analysis by the Observer has unearthed a shocking revelation: the UK government, in its outsourcing endeavors, has not just been kind but alarmingly…
Unmasking the DWP’s War on the Vulnerable: A Deceptive Fight Against Benefits Fraud
Introduction: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new “fraud plan” that claims to tackle benefits fraud head-on. However, behind their aggressive public service announcement lies a long-standing tradition of demonising those in need. This hard-hitting blog sheds light on the dark reality of the DWP’s tactics and the consequences they have…
Council Tax Reduction Schemes: Trends, Variations and the Power of Technology
This past Monday, we plunged into an insightful discussion about EntitledTo’s annual review on council tax reduction (CTR) schemes. Karen Holmes, a notable figure from E2, expertly steered the conversation, with a host of panellists offering valuable insights. Three key takeaways emerged from the review: The latter point sparked a vibrant debate. Paul Howarth and…
The Financial Challenges Scottish Councils Face: A Call for Reform
Introduction Scottish councils have been grappling with financial challenges exacerbated by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite increases in council funding, a recent report from the Accounts Commission reveals that the majority of this money has been ring-fenced and lacks the necessary flexibility. As a result, councils face significant pressure to deliver balanced budgets while meeting…