Management Consultancy Services: Local Authority Housing
These are examples of the local authority housing management consultancy services that we offer in all parts of the United Kingdom
Accounting for the Housing Revenue Account and Housing General Fund
The Housing Revenue Account is often considered to be one of the most complex of a council’s accounts; and the introduction of self-financing in England in April 2012 created new challenges and opportunities. Housing General Fund services are also facing increased demands with constrained resources.
Our consultants are able to offer specialist advice.
We have recently advised:
- Ashford Borough Council on the accounting treatment of photo-voltaic cells
- Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing on financial management
- Lambeth Borough Council on the accounting treatment of hostels
- Warrington Borough Council on a financial health check on the HRA
Value for Money
In the current climate of economic constraint there is a continuing need for a focus on value for money. We believe that value for money is most likely to be achieved where there is a focus on the needs and aspirations of customers and a rigorous review of systems and costs.
Our experience in strategic management, housing finance and residents’ advice makes us well placed to consider value for money.
Recent clients include:
- Birmingham City Council – assistance with the development of a value for money procurement strategy
- London Area Procurement Network – evaluation of savings from contracts
- Scottish Housing Regulator – Associate Inspector with specialism in value for money
Preparation of Financial models
Financial modelling is essential especially where new developments or initiatives are being considered. Our consultants possess both the financial and information technology skills to prepare effective financial models.
For example, we recently prepared a financial model for new build for Waltham Forest Borough Council that enabled them evaluate their own new build options and those of partner housing associations.
Northampton Guildhall:
We provided adviceon service charges
Service Charges for
Leaseholders and Tenants
The calculation and management of service charges for leaseholders and tenants can be complex.
Housing Stock Options Appraisals
Local authorities usually seek external advice when they carry out a housing stock options appraisal. We are well placed to deliver housing stock options appraisals because of our experience in both housing finance and independent residents’ advice. We carry out housing stock options appraisals from an independent and objective viewpoint – helping local authorities and their residents to identify the best option for achieving their aspirations locally.
Our recent work on housing stock options has included:
- Basildon Borough Council – Lead Advisor
- Fenland District Council – Independent Tenants’ Advisor
- Halton Borough Council – Financial advisor
- Hammersmith & Fulham Borough Council – Financial advisor
- Lambeth Borough Council (Wellington Mills Housing Co-operative) – Lead Advisor
- Southwark Borough Council – Financial Advisor
We have also acted as advisor to the Government Offices for the East, East Midlands, London and Southwest on the financial evaluation of housing stock options
Self-Financing and Business Planning
We have assisted many of our clients, for example Basildon Borough Council, in the introduction of Self-Financing. Moving forward there is a need to ensure that effective business planning is in place.
Effective business planning involves both a rigorous analysis of the business position of the local authority and the production of a long-term financial projection including risk analysis and sensitivity testing. Our experience of strategic management and of housing finance makes us uniquely well placed to deliver this.
Clients that we have assisted recently with business planning include:
- Basildon Borough Council
- Enfield Borough Council
- Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council
- South Derbyshire District Council
- Warrington Borough Council
Development and Delivery of Training Programmes
It is essential that housing managers, councillors and tenant representatives have a working knowledge of how local authority housing finance works.
As well as our regional seminars and in-house courses we are able to evaluate your training needs and design a training programme to suit your needs.
For further information on our regional seminars please follow the links below:
- All you want to know about Local Authority Housing Finance
- All you want to know about Scottish Social Housing Finance
- All you want to know about Welsh Social Housing Finance
For further information on in-house training opportunities please follow the link below:
Other Information on Housing
More information on local authority housing is freely available on our website. Please follow the links below:
