Heather Jameson 01 December 2006

Lyons may ‘never be made public’

The Lyons review on local government finance may never be published, a spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government has confirmed.

Despite press reports about delays earlier this week, the DCLG said: ‘Sir Michael Lyons will report his findings to ministers. We have never set out a timetable in terms of publication.’

He added: ‘We have never made a commitment to publish the report at all.’

But Local Government Association chairman Lord Bruce-Lockhart said: ‘We expected it to be published immediately. There is no possible reason for further delay.’

Sir Michael is due to report his findings on funding to Chancellor Gordon Brown, and communities and local government minister, Ruth Kelly, by 21 December. This deadline will not be delayed as Sir Michael is planning an eight-month sabbatical, starting at Christmas. So far, he has remained tight-lipped about contents of the paper, and has refused to rule out – or rule in – any of the proposed changes to the finance system put to him. Plans put forward have included reformed council tax and business rates and charges for services – including waste collection charges and tourist taxes.

A top finance spokesman has called on the Government to abolish capping, improve council tax and relocalise the business rates.

Chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), Steve Freer, said the Government’s handling of capping would ‘speak volumes’ about how it really saw councils.

The DCLG has faced repeated criticism over its delays to reforming the balance of funding, first for commissioning the Lyons review, then for delaying revaluation and extending the review.

Ms Kelly also faced tough criticism for putting the White Paper before any changes to finance which might come out of the Lyons review.

Analysis

Protecting the public realm without shutting it down

As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down.

Opinion

Local Government FM: Time for a real strategy

Talking to LocalGov, David Parrett, Director at Cadaema Consulting Services, argues that facilities management in local government needs a clear strategy.

Most Popular News

Bristol council leader defends flight after banning high-carbon ads

Future Sheffield: How one city council is upskilling its workforce

Digital Transformation, AI and Local Government: The Case for Workforce Upskilling

Devo minister resigns

Council leader quits after drunken conference incident

New Products

Safeguarding Children - the AAT Way

MSL enhances hygiene auditing with air quality testing for Awaab’s Law compliance

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

Case Studies

Acrospire's Heritage Lighting Upgrade at Britannia Quay Balances Performance and Ecology

Acrospire Improves Safety Across Greenwich Subways with LED Lighting Upgrade

Cornwall’s Coastal Heritage Lighting Upgraded with Acrospire Lanterns

Acrospire Delivers Durable Handrail Lighting Upgrade for Historical Landmark Jacob’s Ladder

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Company Anouncements

Acrospire promotes LED retrofit for structurally viable lighting assets

Vent-Axia Welcomes the Future Homes Standard as Competency Takes Centre Stage

Apricorn Becomes First and Only Hardware-Encrypted USB Storage Device Manufacturer to Achieve AS9100 Certification

AAT helps Councils step up to address children’s social care

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Fostering Panel and Data Performance Advisor

£55892.0000 - £69241.0000 per annum

Fostering Panel and Data Performance AdvisorPermanent, Part Time£55,892 to £69,241 to per annum (full time equivalent) Location

Recuriter: Essex County Council

Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer - Braintree

£32319.00 - £36900.00 per annum

Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full Time£32,319 up to £36,900 per annumLocation England, Essex, Braintree

Recuriter: Essex County Council