HomeMunicipal Finance

Labour’s local debt penalty

12 November 2019Municipal Financeinvestments, LOBOs, local governmentNick Dunbar

The UK’s political divisions are mirrored in the debt exposures of local authorities. Central government action may be increasing the divide.

The year that transformed Britain’s LOBO landscape

12 July 2019Municipal FinanceLOBOs, Newham council, RBSNick Dunbar

Gauging the significance of the LOBO redemption wave

Should councils pay interest penalties on government loans?

26 April 2018Municipal FinanceNick Dunbar

Market-based loan repayment penalties imposed by the UK government are being blamed for worsening pressures faced by local councils, and incentivising property speculation. Now calls are being made to reform the system.

UK local authority debt in six charts

20 March 2017Municipal Financeinterest rates, LOBOs, local governmentNick Dunbar

Dozens of UK councils are paying a significant proportion of tax revenues in debt interest payments, and the burden is worsened by record low interest rates

Newham’s cracked crystal ball

10 November 2015Municipal FinanceBarclays, interest rate risk, LOBOs, local government, municipal finance, Newham councilNick Dunbar

Between July 2007 and November 2008, Newham council entered into 10 range LOBO loans with Barclays worth a total of £238.5 million. New information on the council’s controversial loan portfolio shows the impact of its relationship with Barclays, raising questions about risk management decisions.

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