Taking a commercial approach: A guide for local councils in Wales to income generation, trading and charging

Local government in Wales is undergoing changes and challenges. Demand on services is increasing and at the same time resources are being squeezed. However, those who in local government know that  communities value local services and simply withdrawing services is not an easy option for any council to take.

Increasingly councils across the UK are looking at a more commercial approach to service delivery. This does not mean unfair charges on those least able to pay but rather local councils making the most of their assets and human resources.  This entrepreneurial approach provides an opportunity for local councils to charge or trade in services; not for profit motives but to develop income for a purpose. That purpose being to support local services that have suffered budget reductions by replacing those lost budgets with new sources of finances. 

This guide explores powers, best practice and the culture shift needed to embrace a commercial culture in local government. Written by APSE's expert team in APSE Solutions this guide will be a timely and valuable tool for local authority Chief Executives, senior managers and Council Leaders and elected members with an interest in an entrepreneurial approach to delivering local services. It is a building block towards New Municipalism in Wales.

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