Insights archive
Malcolm Gardner, Visionary Network Ltd The local election results were not simply a bad night for some parties and a good night for others. They were a warning about the fragility of local government…
Read articleThe latest Independent Revenues and Benefits Monday Discussion Group took the Chancellor’s Spring Statement as its starting point and asked a simple question: what does it really mean when viewed from the frontline of…
Read articleMeeting note for 9 February 2026 The slide pack is too large to send by email this week. Please download it from is page, alongside the recording and other related reports. The pack is…
Read articleThe Independent Revenues & Benefits Monday Discussion Group was back on 8 September, with Malcolm Gardner welcoming everyone after the summer break. Smiles all round, though the mood paused for a moment as Malcolm…
Read articleSummary of the Independent Revenues & Benefits Discussion Group – 14 July 2025 At the most recent Independent Revenues & Benefits (R&B) Discussion Group, chaired by Malcolm Gardner, local government professionals gave a sobering…
Read articleSpring Statement Sparks Concerns over Welfare Cuts and Public Service Viability The UK government’s recent Spring Statement, delivered amid warnings of economic uncertainty, has prompted serious concern among local government leaders and policy experts.…
Read articleIn our Monday chat, we dove into how the financial troubles facing local councils are also troubling for organizations like charities that depend on council funds. We talked about how this situation might lead…
Read articleWe returned this week with a great discussion where we looked at the recent Resolution Foundation briefing note for the Health Foundation that looks at pressures on family pay, prices, and properties and the…
Read articleHappy New Year. I wanted to drop you a quick message during our holiday break. I’ve prepared a pack with the latest updates on revenues and benefits, covering what’s been happening with council finances…
Read articleThe predicted council tax rises in the UK are projected to have a greater impact on households with lower incomes residing in the northern regions compared to those in the southern regions. This inequality…
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