There is a growing view among organisations that business rates as they stand aren’t fit for purpose. But the last big reform of local government tax ended in riots. Can it be done?

Our chart this week compares the differences in the tax payable depending on legal form – an area ripe for reform in theory, but much more difficult in practice.

With the pandemic increasing pressure on public finances, could this prompt overdue discussions on tax reform? ICAEW's Head of Tax Frank Haskew and independent adviser Martin Wheatcroft reflect on recent announcements and challenges facing the Chancellor.

A recent legal battle over the transparency of Thurrock Council’s £815m debt-leveraged investments in solar power bonds highlights the importance of understanding and managing balance sheet risk in the public sector.

Audit Wales reports that the Welsh Government’s Test, Trace, Protect programme has developed well and effectively learnt lessons from earlier peaks of COVID-19.

This week’s chart examines how France inserted a layer of regional administration between the national government in Paris and the 96 departments in mainland France and Corsica.

Nuneaton town centre is earmarked for transformation following significant government funding and the launch of 11 associated initiatives. This is what reimagining a local economy really looks like.

Procurement fraud deprives the public purse of an estimated £12.3bn a year. We speak to Crowe Partner Jim Gee about why investing in strong anti-fraud strategies is good business and ethical sense.