RED TAPE TOPS THE LIST OF COUNCIL MANAGER’S GRUMBLES

A survey by CAPS Solutions of council senior managers has revealed that the amount of red tape and legislation is still the worst aspect about working in the public sector. It is closely followed by a lack of resources and lengthy procurement processes.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION STRATEGY HITS LOAN SHARKS

Two pilot teams from the Department of Trade and Industry, working with local Trading Standards officers in Birmingham and Glasgow have identified over 200 loan sharks and saved more than 3 million pounds from the pockets of their victims. Tackling illegal lending is part of the strategic cross-government approach to consumer debt.

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By Michael Orton, Duncan Adam and Rhys Davies. Council tax is under review and the Lyon’s report is due to be published in May 2007. This article provides insights into the impact of the tax on the lower income households who predominate among those who struggle to pay council tax. The authors’ analysis reveals where the tax bites the hardest and leads to conclusions about reshaping future local taxation.