Jonathan Werran 17 June 2021

Sharpening the commercial edge

Sharpening the commercial edge image

In recent years there have been negative examples that can’t be safely hidden from view, some instances of council commercial activity that have plainly gone awry. Not citing the litany of recent well publicised debacles, it is fair to say that commercialism in the local government context has become, by dint of media exposure, an activity to be handled with the utmost of care.

But only six years ago it was order of the day. Localis itself issued a report (Commercial Councils) and you couldn’t move for industry events and seminars setting out how finance directors could seize the opportunity and unpick the impact of austerity. Now all sectors can be rather ‘bandwagonesque’ when given explicit encouragement from Government to act in a certain way. The link of causation from the coalition years is only a keystroke internet search away, if it’s been conveniently consigned to oblivion.

But in the current context of responding to COVID-19, an element of moral hazard has crept into the Marsham Street attitude. In short, Government doesn’t want to be seen to be bailing out councils which have been caught bathing without trunks when the tide came in.

Read the full feature for free here.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner