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.

Keeping local audit on the agenda image

Keeping local audit on the agenda

Local audit reforms risk being overshadowed by devolution and reorganisation. Why proper scrutiny is vital to protect accountability and public trust.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Accountant (Housing) - Basildon Borough Council

Essex County Council
Up to £175.0000 per day
Principal Accountant (Housing)Basildon, Essex £134.450 PAYE / £175 Umbrella daily rate Temporary Contact - April 2026 Full-Time, 36.25 hour per week** England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Educational Psychologist

North East Lincolnshire Council
Soulbury Scale A 4-9, plus up to 3 SPA points.
The North East Lincolnshire Community Educational Psychology Service is deeply committed to making a positive impact North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Children's Social Workers - Family Help Service

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Up to £52,767 per annum (subject to experience) p
Are you a passionate and experienced Social Worker ready to change lives and shape futures? Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Senior Business Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£35,391 – £45,564 per annum
Senior BusinessSupport Officer£35,... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Project Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £ 52,767
Project Support Officer... Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner