Briefings and responses

Local audit and local auditors need to be adequately skilled and have an adequate understanding of local government. It also needs to focus on areas that add value rather than on work that is not a priority for local government. It has previously been highlighted (for example in the report of the Redmond review) that many believe that the current focus on asset and pension valuations is inappropriate.

The LGA has significant concerns with the Local Authorities (Borrowing and Investment) Bill which seeks to restrict the acquisition of land and property by councils outside their own boundaries. The Bill also seeks to limit local authorities’ investment in “commercial risk-taking enterprises” and limit council borrowing for non-core activities.

Read our Spring Budget on-the-day briefing

Key briefing and summary points for local government on the Local Government Finance Bill.

The LGA has been working closely with Government on behalf of all councils to highlight the financial challenges they are facing over the Spending Review period.

The briefing covers the consultation on the local government finance settlement for 2017/18 and indicative settlements for 2018/19 and 2019/20.

The Local Government Association (LGA) welcomes the opportunity to respond to the technical consultation on the 2017/18 local government finance settlement.

On the 29 September 2016 the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), published a consultation on how the legislation will be implemented in the UK. There are some proposals in the consultation which go far beyond the basic legislation and therefore should be seen as discretionary for the UK.

The Local Government Finance Settlement is the annual determination of funding to local government from central government. The provisional Settlement for 2020/21 was published on 20 December 2019.

Councils are central to building communities that are inclusive, cohesive and promote people’s life chances.