Heather Jameson 23 June 2020

Javid urges reorganisation and devolution post-COVID

Council tax reform and local government reorganisation should both play a part in the post COVID economic recovery, former Chancellor Sajid Javid has said.

He has called for the devolution agenda to be revitalised, with increased powers and resources given to the devolved authorities.

The report says: ‘Local leadership should play a major role in the expanded programme of public investment, and there should therefore be as much haste as possible in developing a renewed agenda for English Devolution; the promised White Paper must be published as soon as possible this year.’

It also calls for local bodies to be given powers to raise cash for themselves and increased borrowing capacity. It warned: ‘This cannot be about Whitehall waving its wallet over the heads of metro mayors.’

Mr Javid, who is also a former communities secretary, calls on the Government to commission a system-wide review of the tax system. But he warns it should avoid raising income tax, VAT or National Insurance and focus instead on tighten the reliefs ‘which unduly favour the wealthy’.

Describing the current system of council tax as ‘highly regressive’, he calls for a ‘full council tax revaluation over this parliament, with revaluations every three years’ and a reform of bands and rates to bring the tax in line with current property prices.

Chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, Rob Whiteman, told The MJ revaluation was ‘a good thing’ but added: ‘The biggest single issues for local government is how is social care funding and what is the method of redistribution.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Debt Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Play a key role in supporting our community by managing debt and maximising incomePlay a key role in supporting our community by managing debt and max England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Hire Desk Operative

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 8 £29,719 - £31,691 per annum
Well-developed IT skills and an excellent working knowledge of the Microsoft Suite are required. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Service Manager Mental Health

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead with care and confidence, helping to shape recovery-focused mental health support across our boroughLead with care and confidence, helping to sha England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Lead Approved Mental Health Professional - WMF2213e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£56,883 - £59,198
Are you a passionate, experienced Approved Mental Health Professional ? Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner