Edward Butler’s Post

Another gripping article. Perhaps the take away is that the alignment between local and central planning/prioritisation across horizons needs strengthening - 3yr; 10 year; and 50 year. Let’s be clear tho, the Public Finance Act (section 26J, 26K, 26N) requires central government to plan across these horizons - some agencies have ‘excellent’ 10 year and 50 year planning (eg courts, prisons, police); some ‘good’ planning (eg health); and some ‘non existent’planning (eg transport). So maybe add consistent expectations to the list, alongside equalising the transparency of central government plans … perhaps going too far to ask that the assumptions align? #localism #equalTransparency #clarifyImpacts

In a classic case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’, legislation developed by central government requires all councils to develop detailed 10-year plans backed by 30-year infrastructure strategies with balanced budgets under the supervision of the Auditor-General. The challenge for central government is that it doesn’t have comprehensive asset management plans for schools, tertiary institutions, state highways, hospitals, public housing, police stations, etc., outlining how they will fund, build, manage and maintain these critical public assets for even the next five years, let alone 10. The Beehive simply trudges along year by year, drip-feeding financial commitments one media release at a time while playing down stories of stretched systems, asset failures, budget blowouts, building closures and mounting future liabilities. This a system that provides ministers and bureaucrats maximum flexibility to change whatever they want with minimal scrutiny. But the reality is this system has run down New Zealand’s public infrastructure. There is a faint light at the end of the tunnel for central government but it will require all the parties that make up our parliament to come together a make a commitment to taking a longer term view of infrastructure and develop plans capable of enduring changes in government. #assetmanagement #budgets #planning #government https://lnkd.in/gJ9-vP7s

Agree with this and Infracomm is about to release an Asset Management State of Play and Neil’s assessment is “bang-on” on my view. We have been trying to bring in asset management in some agencies but it’s not “sticking” as often under-resourced, under-governed and no-one is asking where it is. Just a note that proper Asset Management is at the strategic level including have we got the right assets, at the right place, at the right time not just about maintaining existing assets. I believe the strategic view is what has been missing in most central government i.e Kainga Ora doesn’t have the volume, type and location of social houses required hence has been in “catch-up”. I think we need to be clear that we are well behind the current demand in some sectors let alone factoring in future growth Jodie O’Doherty right on!

Catch up on the key points from the proposed updates to the National Planning Policy Framework yesterday: Strategic planning to be ‘universal’ https://lnkd.in/eYb5D9hu Householder planning application fees could be doubled https://lnkd.in/e7-MGAZU ‘Grey belt’ defined in proposed planning reforms https://lnkd.in/emh-g34T Housing targets to fall in London but rise everywhere else https://lnkd.in/e-ApxXwR

In theory, getting officials to approve major #planning applications that accord with the Local or London Plans might improve things, but there are potential challenges and difficulties- will be interesting to see how this plays out. Worth a try as part of a package of measures as clearly something significantly different to the current system has to be done. Won’t be enough on its own https://lnkd.in/eAe7ZDzT

As we navigate through another End of Financial Year (EOFY) period, it’s pretty hard to not notice the slow pace and interactions within the Federal Government. While this time of year is crucial for budget finalizations and future planning, the perceived sluggishness can be a source of frustration for many of us not just the suppliers but also the hiring managers who are in desperate need of resources to provide capability within the business areas and also not to ever forget the wonderful contractors who are left in limbo with no evaluation updates to hear about! Here's cheers to a quickened approach to come within Federal Government over these next few months! ⏩ ⏩ #FederalGovernment #EOFY #Budget

‘Councils in crisis: time to stop the cycle of decline.’ Ahead of the Spring Budget announcement tomorrow, our local government expert and partner Claire Ward discusses the state of local government finances and how the Budget provides an opportunity for government to intervene to break the cycle of decline. Read the full article in LocalGov here: https://buff.ly/3V4RoLO #AnthonyCollins #localgovernment #SpringBudget

Last week I posted this: "So - the big elephant in the room for me, is what is the plan for discussing/actioning the recommendations of the Future for Local Government review?? That was a MASSIVE piece of work". Looks like we have our answer.... Another big report to sit on a dusty bookshelf (or a cluttered desktop...) 😓 #localgovernment #reform #environment #planning #wecandobetter https://lnkd.in/g2v39cVR

Here's how the Smith government can make good on its pre-budget promises.

Gov. zulum presents 2025 Appropriation Bill to State Assembly Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has presented the 2025 appropriation bill, themed "Budget of Recovery and Continuity", to the State House of Assembly. The presentation, which took place on Monday, December 9, 2024, marks a significant step in the state's budgeting process. The 2025 appropriation bill outlines the state's projected revenue and expenditure for the upcoming year, with a focus on recovery and continuity. Although the exact details of the bill are not yet publicly available, it is expected to prioritize key sectors such as education, health, and infrastructure. Governor Zulum's administration has been focused on rebuilding and developing the state, which has been affected by insurgency and conflict. The 2025 budget is expected to reflect this focus, with allocations for projects and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing security. The State House of Assembly will review and deliberate on the appropriation bill before passing it into law.