Lifting the Lid on Local Government Finance

These sessions have now been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. We hope to re-arrange them later in the year. If you would like further information please contact adrian.waite@awics.co.uk

Local Government is going through a period of significant change, especially with austerity and devolution. Localisation of business rates is ongoing and revenue support grant is being phased out. There is uncertainty about local government finance because of the Fair Funding Review and ‘Brexit’. This is changing local government and how its finances are managed.

In the current climate of financial challenges and uncertainty, a working knowledge of local authority finance will put you and your colleagues in a position of advantage. However, what you really want to know is not only how local government finance is supposed to work but also how it REALLY WORKS in practice. This will not be about theory but about behaviour and managing that behaviour to allow you to get the most out of your budget.

This seminar is presented by the ex- Leader of a City Council and local government finance officer, and a former Finance Director and Strategic Director of a Borough Council.

Whether you are in a London Borough, Metropolitan, Unitary, County or District Council or otherwise involved in local government; whether you are an Elected Member, Non-Financial Manager, or even a member of the Finance Team, you will benefit from “Lifting the Lid on Local Government Finance”.

What the Session Covers:

The aim of the sessions is to provide you with the knowledge to be able to ask the right questions and better manage your budget and those who are managing it for you. The session will address the following issues:

• How do Local Government Finances really work? ‘Tricks of the trade’ including getting beneath what is really happening with reserves, capital programme underspends / overspends, where the money is hidden, and S106 management.
• How to get the financial processes right to get maximum consensus amongst members.
  How to get the most out of your budget and balance the books and explain the budget to the council taxpayer.
• What reforms of Local Government Finance are happening and can be expected?

The session is accompanied by a very useful book that is designed for reference after the session entitled: “Lifting the Lid on Local Government Finance”

Delegate fees: The cost of this seminar in London is £260 plus VAT making a total of £312. However, there is a £20 discount for people who book a month or more in advance making the cost £240 plus VAT making a total of £288. The cost of this seminar in Leeds is £210 plus VAT making a total of £252. However, there is a £20 discount for people who book a month or more in advance making the cost £190 plus VAT making a total of £228.

Venues and Dates:

• London: Novotel Hotel, Waterloo – 9th June 2020
• North: Novotel Hotel, Leeds – 16th June 2020

To view or download a copy of our brochure, please click here

To make a booking, please click here

Cumbria House, the head offices of Cumbria County Council.

Brochure and Booking Form

To view or download a copy of our brochure and booking form, please click here.

Other Information about Local Government Finance

For information about in-house training in local government finance, please click here

For information about management consulting advice and assistance for local authorities, please click here

For briefing papers on local government issues, please click here

To view or download copies of the 'Public Services News' please click here