Heather Jameson 11 June 2020

CIPFA issues temporary s114 guidance

Council finance chiefs have been given new guidelines for dealing with financial collapse during the coronavirus crisis.

Under normal circumstances, chief financial officers would issue s114 notices to freeze spending to give them time to create a budget plan. However, halting expenditure during the pandemic could create problems responding to the crisis.

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has now issued temporary guidance. It calls for chief finance officers to inform the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) of financial concerns as early as possible at the same time as warning the council cabinet and auditor.

CIPFA chief executive, Rob Whiteman, said: ‘The challenges posed to local government finance by COVID-19 are likely to deepen as the year progresses. It is essential that local government and its partners in central government respond jointly to this crisis.

‘With the pandemic accelerating demand across all local services, any freezes on spending in any local area could potentially be highly disruptive and not an effective tool at this time.

‘Temporary change to the S.114 notice process creates space to explore other options or financial support that may be available to local authorities, while allowing finance directors to meet their statutory responsibilities.’

CIPFA had hoped to issue joint guidance alongside MHCLG, however, the suggested new rules have been issued by the accountancy body alone.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

EHC Assessment and Review Co-Ordinator - Part Time

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Champion the journey for children and young people with special educational needs, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.This is a part time, England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Part Time Environmental Health Officer (Housing and Caravan/Mobile Home Site Licensing)

Ribble Valley Borough Council
SO2 (scp 29-32) £39,862 to £42,839 per annum pro rata
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and experienced Environmental Health Officer Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

UTMC Principal Engineer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£37,035-£45,718 (dependent on experience)
Join our team at Kirklees Council and help shape the future of urban mobility. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Coroners and The County Mortuary Service Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£55036 - £58879
About the role West Northamptonshire Council is seeking a dynamic and experienced Coroners and County Mortuary Service Manager to lead the operational delivery of two critical services
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner