The Future Shape of Local Government

Welcome and Introductions Steven Beard Chief Executive, Agilisys

Welcome and Introductions Mike Suarez Director of Finance, Lambeth Council David Magor Chief Executive, IRRV Alison Scott Assistant Director, Policy & Technical, CIPFA Tracie Evans Director of Resources

Timetable 1:30pmWelcome and IntroductionsSteven Beard 1:40pmBeyond Austerity?Alison Scott David Magor 2:00pmDiscussionMike Suarez Tracie Evans 2:40pmClosing CommentsSteven Beard

Austerity and beyond Alison Scott, Assistant Director, Policy and Technical, CIPFA

Austerity – to date Unprecedented budget reductions since 2010, Localism and major new responsibilities New partners and sources of finance PAC, NAO and AC have concluded that local government has coped to date. CIPFA’s 2013 CFO Budget Survey identified the biggest risks to budget delivery as council tax benefit and business rate income.

Austerity – Where Next? PAC Committee ““To date, councils have, as a whole, managed to cope, but with reductions likely to continue for several years, the pressures on the sector are set to increase” Echoed by CFO Survey – 63% of CFOs less confident about delivery of 2014/15 compared to savings to date. Spending reductions were falling hardest on councils with the highest deprivation, and that some might cease to be viable

Austerity – Redistribution 2013/14 Settlement Figures, reduction in spending power – Shire Counties with Fire -2.3% – Shire Districts - 3.1% – Shire Unitaries - 3.5% – Metropolitan Districts - 4.6% – Inner London Boroughs - 5.2% – Outer London Boroughs – 3.6%

In-depth interviews with CFOs Citizen and the State Community Workers? A drop in the Ocean? Delayering and Localism Localism from the centre? Doing business? Beggar they neighbour? Efficiency through collaboration Sharing alike?Two tiers bad? Austerity – A Solution?

Austerity – LGGP Project on Future of Local Government Long-term look for solutions to continuing austerity. Contribute to and promote debate about future of local services. Discussion document circulated at Conference Seeking Input to Discussion Paper to be Published in Summer Widespread consultation and debate during Autumn

The Future Shape of Local Government David Magor OBE IRRV (Hons) Chief Executive The Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation

The Future Shape of Local Government A national unitary structure Fiscal decentralisation the IMF dream but Equalisation always an issue A local policy and operational core Services delivered by the private, mutual and third sectors

Financing Services Council Tax Non domestic rates Property taxes driven by democracy? Other local taxes Charging for services Dealing with debt

Supporting Society Welfare reform – Council tax reduction – Universal Credit – The role of local government Localism The local influence on economic recovery An effective vocational plan for young people Dealing with poverty

The Future Shape of Local Government