Category: General

Overview and Economic Context The Autumn Budget 2024, introduced by the Chancellor, aims to strengthen the UK’s economic foundations amid inflation and stagnant growth. With a recent audit revealing £22 billion in annual spending pressures, the Budget addresses both immediate and structural fiscal needs through support for households, adjustments to local government funding, and targeted…

The Independent R&B Discussion Group met on 28 October 2024 to review the latest developments in council tax and business rates benchmarking. The session focused on a demonstration of Liberata’s new benchmarking tool, designed to assist local authorities in analysing and improving their revenue collection processes. This tool provides a valuable perspective on council tax…

Today in Malcolm’s absence Kevin Stewart chaired the session.  Unfortunately, due to technical issues there was no recording from today’s session. The first discussion took place re the potential removal of Council Tas SPD that apparently the Government has stated they will not do.  Bob Wagstaff thought it would never be removed as it is felt…

In a recent discussion, members of the Independent R&B Discussion Group gathered to address various pressing issues, including pension credit campaigns, data usage, and the potential removal of the single-person discount. Malcolm Gardner opened the conversation, highlighting the season’s transition to autumn and introducing attendees. He steered the dialogue toward a pressing question from Martin…

The ongoing debate over the potential removal of the Single Person Discount (SPD) for council tax has raised concerns, particularly from pensioners and single-occupier households. However, while the sentiment of retaining this discount is understandable, especially for those facing financial strain, there are several clear advantages to reconsidering the policy. Let us explore why the…

Daniel Rawling from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) delivered an engaging presentation to the group, which sparked a lively and thoughtful discussion. His insights on bid rigging, a serious issue in procurement processes, highlighted several crucial points. Rawling provided an overview of the CMA’s role in tackling anti-competitive practices and protecting consumers. He explained…

This week’s discussion group brings a mix of updates: some bad, some noteworthy, some exciting, and a glimpse of what’s ahead. The Bad News: Unfortunately, we had to cancel last Monday’s session. All of our LA panel members were tied up in other important meetings, some with the DWP. This would have resulted in low…

On September 2, 2024, the Independent R&B Discussion Group met to review recent government policy shifts concerning housing benefits and pension credits. One focal point was the bringing forward the merging these benefits from 2028 to 2025, as outlined in a statement from Rachel Reeves in July. The group discussed how this impacts local authorities…

The Revenues and Benefits Discussion Group’s latest update, dated August 26, 2024, highlights several pressing issues in the UK regarding social welfare, housing, and economic challenges. Key topics include the government’s recent changes to Pension Credit eligibility, the impending end of the Household Support Fund, and concerns over rising inflation and its impact on low-income…