APSE Northern Ireland Seminar: Balancing the books
The local government environment continues to change. Whether it is new powers, new functions, reduced budgets, expected future cuts or just completing the day job whilst bedding in the new councils, officers and councillors need to be aware of new approaches and options.
Trading and charging has gone on for many years within local authorities, so raising income is not new. However, the pressure to make sure councils are making the most of their opportunities to raise income remains. It is vital they have a well-considered approach, clear policies and fair charges which will benefit the public, the local authority and those paying the charges. As funding is squeezed and the demand for services grows, this pressure will grow over the coming years rather than diminish.
Should the approach be to continue to salami slice our services or to seek out new sources of income to help balance the books? This seminar will explore the legal and accountancy framework for income generation, charging and trading models and new models of investment led income generation.
Speakers from the NI Audit Office and CIPFA will talk about putting in place a framework for income generation, risk management and using your assets as well as accountability and governance. There will also be a session on what you legal powers allow you to do as a council raising income.
Speakers from case study councils will also focus on practical and operational issues showcasing income generation through frontline service delivery in street scene, park and public realm and environmental services.
There will be adequate time for delegates to ask questions and debate the topics as well as highlighting where their councils are currently engaged in this agenda.
Presentations
A commercial approach for local authorities
Louise Mason, Assistant Auditor General, Financial Audit and Local Government Auditor, NI Audit Office
Alan Bermingham, Policy and Technical Manager, CIPFA NI
Using your legal powers for income generation
Andrew Uprichard, APSE Associate
Reviewing your service to support a new culture of commercial income
Mel Henley, APSE Associate and former Head of Streetscene Services, Chesterfield Borough Council
Income from charging and third party sources
Caroline Davies, Public Open Space Manager, Knowsley Council
Promoting excellence in public services
APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit unincorporated association working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority frontline services, hosting a network for frontline service providers in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, cemeteries and crematorium, environmental health, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance.
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