Kevin Muldoon-Smith

Public sector finance, governance and urban adaptation- using research to examine and inform public policy - Views my own

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

This would be a step change. It has been uncertain how mayors would be able to deliver without big financial tools. This brings England into line with international neighbours - the devil will be in the detail re how this works in terms of process/fairness https://t.co/Jc7JzX1uMt

[David Phillips @fiscalphillips]

This is a BIG announcement, and hopefully time to influence thinking on this so that the careful balancing of incentives, risks, redistribution, and administrative feasibility can take place.

So Rachel... I'll be back! [6/6]

[Heather Jameson @HeatheratTheMJ]

Big news for local government...

EXCLUSIVE: Government to launch full reorganisation https://t.co/L1KcRXv3X2 via @themjcouk

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

10/10 Solution is not straight forward: it involves a balance and trade-off between devolution and funding, discretion and resilience, scrutiny and fairness. See forthcoming https://t.co/PkMFYX8kS5 for more info.

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

1/10 The Chancellor must set macro/micro signals in the #budget to reassure the country and localgov leaders struggling with finance. Spending plans for 2026-27 onwards aren’t due until 2025. This may lead to little mention of #localgov finance - there is some sense in this.

[The New Statesman @NewStatesman]

“We don’t know the exact details of Reeves’ plans for local government funding yet. But a wave of council bankruptcies is on its way.”

🖊️ @meganekenyon https://t.co/XxLgxSAtKQ

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

9/10 Evidence overseas shows reform only happens when debate is opened to new inclusive perspectives – particularly learning from best practice elsewhere and council officers/associated councillors who are best placed to offer insight into the current system.

[The New Statesman @NewStatesman]

“We don’t know the exact details of Reeves’ plans for local government funding yet. But a wave of council bankruptcies is on its way.”

🖊️ @meganekenyon https://t.co/XxLgxSAtKQ

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

Lots of disorientation around role of combined authorities, mayors and local govt. While pragmatically easier to work with relatively fewer regional entities, it is more numerous local government that anchors local areas, carrying the real pressure of delivering public services.

[Sky News @SkyNews]

Mayors are set to be one of the big winners in the budget after Sir Keir Starmer personally intervened to ensure they have more freedom to spend cash and boost growth, Sky News understands.

🔗 Read more https://t.co/3Rodw3pBj8

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

Not to sure about this ‘new’ initiative.

[Guardian news @guardiannews]

Labour to announce plans for five new UK freeports in budget https://t.co/UM0rfVoUev

[LGIU @LGiU]

In Feb our #localgov finance survey revealed the urgency of fixing council finances. We hope for at least some indications of the direction of travel from the UK #Budget24 on Weds ahead of the funding settlement at the end of the year. Read the survey report ⬇️ ⬇️
https://t.co/oi9oxhKo3P

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

And my ongoing work with @LGiU and @sandfordm3 on effective funding systems for local government.
More here: https://t.co/s2yfmljXct

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

1/3 In next week’s budget, the Chancellor faces the dual challenges of trying to fix public finances while laying the groundwork for growth and prosperity. But what does this mean for local government budgets?
#AutumnBudget

[Kevin Muldoon-Smith @muldoon_smith]

2/3 While it may provide some signalling on the government’s intentions around local gov finances, the initial financial settlement for local gov, due December, will be next fiscal event for council spending.
#LocalGov
See forthcoming book with co-authors: https://t.co/PkMFYX8kS5