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Strategic financial management in councils 

Delivering services with a reduced income
Released  08 September 2010

Summary [Download full report below this summary]

Front cover of 'Strategic financial management in councils'

In our latest report, we reveal how organisations that manage their finances strategically are more adaptable and resilient when money is tight, and how other councils can learn from them.

Councils need to make some urgent and tough decisions. 'Strategic financial management in councils' is aimed at all council staff, especially those who hold the purse strings of local government. In it, we point out potential financial pitfalls, highlight successes, and feature a value for money self-assessment questionnaire that can be used locally.

The findings in the report are supported by a good-practice checklist that describes the key issues for improving financial management. Councillors and managers can use the checklist to evaluate their current approach to financial management.