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

Better Results, Smarter Spending: AllChild in Wigan

Wigan Council and AllChild are proving that long-term, community-driven programmes can improve outcomes for children while reducing pressure on local services and public spending. LocalGov finds out more.

Opinion

An important step has been taken, but now the groundwork begins

With the seasonal break approaching, many councils will be hoping for a period of rest and recuperation, but in reality, they know there’s no time to waste, say Claire Ward, partner, and Sue Bearman, legal director at Anthony Collins.

Most Popular News

Police probing suspected fraud and money laundering by former council worker

Government announces funding boost for most deprived councils

Worcestershire CC plans to hike council tax by more than 5%

Councils to receive £19m to support 4,900 more households impacted by domestic abuse

Birmingham signs ‘historic’ equal pay deal with unions

New Products

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

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing

ShuttleID launches 90-day free trial for local authorities

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Croydon Council selects integrated corporate GIS to improve efficiencies

Company Anouncements

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%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Lucy Zodion recognised as sustainability leader with Build Back Better GREEN Award for HAWK3

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

£26,403 - £28,598

Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary

Recuriter: Durham County Council

Domestic Assistant

£24,796 - £25,185 pro rata p.a

If you are someone who takes pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming environment and enjoy making a difference in people’s daily lives through at Durham

Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaning Assistant

Grade 1 £24,796 p.a. pro rata to hours worked (£12.85 per hour)

Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? A permanent post is available at The Grove Primary School, Consett

Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour

Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham

Recuriter: Durham County Council