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…
Category: Governance
Monday 4/9/23 Discussion Group – Segmentation, CTR & Budget Constraints
I am pleased to announce that following a brief hiatus in August, the Monday Discussion Group reconvened on September 4th. Our session featured two principal topics that naturally coalesced into a unified discussion. We initially explored the topic of cost-of-living segmentation, drawing on research published by Which? Magazine. Our conversation evolved into an inquiry into…
Local Councils on the Brink: Unveiling the Crisis in UK Local Government Funding
Summary A BBC investigation has sounded the alarm about the escalating budget crisis in local councils across the UK. With increasing deficits and diminishing funds for essential services, there is growing concern that local governments will be unable to meet the basic needs of their communities. Undermining the Tax Base Local authorities primarily depend on…
From Post-Communist Recession to Economic Stagnation: Britain’s Struggle to Thrive
When the post-communist recession struck Poland in 1991, the country was faced with dire economic circumstances. In fact, Poles were even poorer than the people of Suriname and Gabon. In the last thirty years, Poland has experienced a remarkable economic transformation that has lasted for decades. By the end of the decade, it has the…
Restructuring Long-Term Sickness: Economic Implications and the Imperative for Policy Intervention
Introduction: The latest report from the Office of Budgetary Responsibilities (OBR) provides a comprehensive overview of the nation’s economic health. While the report encompasses various concerns, this article focuses on the surge in long-term sickness and its impact on council tax administration, council tax reduction, and local welfare. We examine the historical context, challenges faced…
Navigating the Inflation Landscape: A Study in Caution, and Risk
June 2023 has proven to be a month of notable shifts in the inflation landscape as observed in the recent Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) and Consumer Prices Index (CPI) data. However, amid these economic fluctuations, a clear emphasis must be placed on understanding the associated risks, and importantly, the role…
Discussion group 10/7: Oflog & Four-day weeks.
During our recent discussion group meeting, we examined the newly declared Office of Local Government (OfLog). The Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has heralded numerous prospective benefits to emerge from OfLog, while maintaining that it does not represent a resurrection of the Audit Commission. However, upon closer scrutiny, its responsibilities appear to align more closely…
The DWP Underpayments Debacle: A Grave Breach of Responsibility
The recent revelation of underpayments within the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) exposes a disconcerting reality. In a record-breaking year, benefit claimants were denied £3.3bn, raising serious concerns about the system’s efficacy and fairness. Shockingly, up to 330,000 individuals may have missed out on their rightful share of £1.5bn in state pension entitlement….
Discussion Group: Local Tax Collection
The discussion group held on Monday, June 26, delved into the topic of local tax collection. Our esteemed facilitator, Kevin Stewart, skilfully guided the session. Last year’s accomplishments by the councils, despite the challenges faced, were truly commendable. Kevin rightfully emphasized that the Council should take pride in its success. However, it is crucial to…
Risks and Successes: An Analysis of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates Collection
Over the past year, local authorities in the UK have exhibited impressive financial performance in terms of tax collection. In the fiscal year 2022-23, local authorities collected a staggering £36.5 billion in council tax, marking a significant £2.0 billion or 5.6% increase from the previous fiscal year. This was primarily driven by increased council tax…