Government pledges to modernise lending to councils

The government has maintained that transferring the powers would increase efficiency of lending to local government and create greater accountability to ministers.

Harriett Baldwin, economic secretary to the Treasury, said: “As local government continues to gain further decision-making powers, it’s right that we consider whether the governance, composition and status of the PWLB is fit for the twenty-first century.

“The reforms set out in today’s consultation will create a more streamlined and up-to-date governance arrangement. The government’s preferred option to transfer the functions of the Public Works Loan Board to HM Treasury, will secure greater accountability to ministers and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of central government lending to local authorities.”

Event Diary

Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.

Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.

In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?

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