Wednesday 29 June 2011

Public Sector Income Generation Seizing Opportunities

Public Sector Income Generation
Seizing Opportunities
12 October 2011, The Barbican, London

You've heard how to save money, now hear how to make money!
At the very heart of the Localism Bill measures, a general power of competence has given local councils new freedoms to run services 'free from Whitehall diktat'. The legislation gives local authorities the opportunity to innovate. Not only in service provision and driving down costs, but to own assets, develop property and generate revenue. You've heard how to save money, now hear how to make money.

At Public Sector Income Generation you can learn from trailblazing organisations that are experienced in raising millions of pounds and have developed services and business models that can boost council coffers. Income can be used to support service development, offset subsidy shortfalls and help to redistribute overheads. Given the strident public spending cuts facing the public sector every local authority has a duty to explore new opportunities to raise capital and utilise public sector resources.Having to manage with less central government funding over the next five years is a sizable challenge, the spending cuts are truly unprecedented and authorities must continue to ensure they have the adequate resources to meet the needs of their communities. To help manage the budget shortfalls local authorities have been given greater freedoms and powers to run their own affairs. At the centre of an array of measures the general power of competence means authorities will have "all the same powers that individual generally has, which will enable them to do anything apart from that which is specifically prohibited". Councils can use the power to set up banks, develop property, run new services and own assets. There are new opportunities to innovate, stimulate economic growth and reap the rewards from any funds raised.

Under proposals in the local government resource review local authorities will have greater financial autonomy and could be allowed to keep a larger share of the money they receive from business rates. The aim is to attract business into their areas, regenerate local economies and "ensure the benefits of economic growth are reflected in the resources councils have". Driving economic growth at a local level could see councils financially rewarded for supporting local firms and creating jobs rather than being reliant on central grants. There are new opportunities to utilise the public sector estate, make the most of intellectual property and collaborate with commercial partners to create revenue. At Public Sector Income Generation you can learn how to raise funds, provide a return of surplus or help to offset service charges. Income can be generated by providing chargeable services, advertising space, cash collecting services, utilising renewable energy and delivering back office functions for other organisations.

PROGRAMME

08:30
Registration and Coffee in the Networking Surgery
09:25
Chair's Opening Address
Colin Cram (confirmed)Former Chief Executive, North West Centre of Excellence and Director, Marc1 Ltd
09:35
Keynote Address
Alison Scott (confirmed)Assistant Director, Local Government Finance and Policy, CIPFA
“Generating Funds, Maximising Income and Making Partnerships Work”
Over a third of local authority income is generated locally through council tax, fees and charges, commercial rents, investments and asset sales. This fraction is only set to increase following the local government resource review. Highlighting why partnerships are becoming increasing important and what councils could be doing better to raise funds.
09:55
Paul Aitchison (invited)Commercial Director, Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust
“Sources of Discretionary Income”
Maximising additional income can to help offset the costs of services and generate income for investment. Local authorities have a flexible legal framework for charging and trading powers. Is it feasible to set up a trading company model that can carry out service work for profit? Public sector bodies should also aim to make the most of central government settlements, subsidies and dedicated grant payments that are available. It is increasingly important to establish an integrated approach to work with other public bodies, funding agencies and the private sector on cross-funding initiatives.
10:15
Main Sponsor
10:30-10:40
Question and Answer Session
10:45
Masterclass Session 1
A series of Masterclasses will run throughout the day. You have the opportunity to pick a stream from the following three topics - Public Sector Partnerships; Asset and Estate Management or Seizing the Opportunity.
11:30
Coffee in the Networking Surgery
12:15
Masterclass Session 2
13:00
Lunch in the Networking Surgery
14:00
Masterclass Session 3
14:45
Coffee in the Networking Surgery
15:15
Chair's Afternoon Address
Colin Cram
15:40
Case Study
Paul O'Brien (confirmed)Chief Executive, Association for Public Service Excellence
“Renewable Energy as a Source of Income”
The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) have been exploring how local authorities can exploit Feed-in Tariffs to generate real new income. Income derived from renewable can not only help generate much needed revenue but can also fund other local energy projects and develop a more sustainable, cost effective and greener energy supply.
16:10
Case Study
David Lee (confirmed)Council Leader, Wokingham Borough Council
“Making the transition: How Public Services Can Spin Out Enterprises ”
A practical guide to spin out limited companies, such as Wokingham Enterprises Limited, that Wokingham Borough Council have set up to support the local economy and help create additional income.
16:30
Case Study
David Parr (invited)Chief Executive, Halton Borough Council
“How Far Can Income Generation Help to Facilitate More Efficient and Effective Service Delivery?”
Are there opportunities for public bodies to use profits to protect frontline services? Unnecessary or steep increases in fees or charges are unlikely to go down well with local taxpayers. How can the right balance be struck?
16:55
Question and Answer Session
17:15
Chair's Closing Remarks
17:20
Conference Close

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