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LGC special report: Commercialisation
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Commercial activity is risky business, but councils lack alternatives
LGC’s essential daily briefing
'Strategy, accountability and legal structure can ensure commercial success'
Our report looks to better understand commercial activities types, the challenges authorities face and some of the biggest successes to date.
Plymouth: 'We're not scared to invest to tackle market failure'
The historic naval city, currently with a population of 264,000, is hoping to grow to 300,000 by 2032.
Sevenoaks: 'Our funding gap couldn't be filled just by saving'
Like many district councils, Sevenoaks DC has in recent years been forced to respond to dwindling financial support from central government.
Wirral: 'It's income generation, not commercialisation'
“What we wanted to do is to get the right permanent people in post here and then create the right cadre of managers,” says chief executive Eric Robinson.
Joanne Pitt: Property mustn't eclipse other commercial successes
It would be a loss to the sector if growth in commercial property investment throws a shadow across other areas.
'Council commercial approaches hinge on core questions'
Our roundtable discussion showed that each local authority has its own unique commercial objectives, means and methods of delivery.
How councils can match commercial risks with returns
Falling funding levels are forcing councils to be more businesslike, but they need to change their culture, acquire the right skills and understand risk.
'Legal powers exist for all the models councils need'
Many authorities have adopted corporate models when looking to trade, deliver homes, acquire assets or regenerate areas.
Investment, joint venture and trading: How councils seek income
From hotels and shopping malls to leisure and commercial waste management, councils are adopting varying strategies in the search for income.
Manjeet Gill: Commercial activity needs a clear, fresh strategy
As councils grow their commercial approaches – whether from trading internal services or creating housing companies – having a clear strategy is crucial.
'Commercial activity will bolster revenues and safeguard services'
Many have noted irony in ministers latterly urging caution about commercialism in local government.
'Diverse commercial approaches will demand diverse skills'
LGC’s Confidence Survey 2018 showed a sector in financial distress, with 34% of respondents expecting to issue a section 114 notice within four years.
Questions councils must answer to navigate commercialisation
As an adviser to many public sector bodies, DWF has seen a pronounced increase in commercial activity among local authorities in the past decade.
Revealed: 72% expect rise in commercial revenue within 3 years
Our survey of senior local government officers reveals the expectations and priorities for commercial activity.
