The CIPFA Local Government Treasury Management Conference 2008 - Treasury Management in a Post Credit-Crunch World - 22 October 2008 - London
This course will cover: lessons to be learned from the FSA; a review of the relationship between banks and local government; advice from the ACT on contingency planning; advice on investment strategies in a new era; an update from the DMO; and a review of local authority investments. Book online now.

The Prudential Code Current Best Practice and Looking to the Future - 7 November 2008 - London
The CIPFA Prudential Code has been described as potentially the most significant and positive change in local authority finance for decades, enabling authorities to take greater control of their investment in the fixed assets that are central to the delivery of quality local public services. How this development can be best exploited will form the focus of the day, with practical examples from local government practitioners and advisers. Book online now.

New LAAP Chair Appointed
The new Chair of the Local Authority Accounting Panel will be Ken Finch, Corporate Director - Resources at Conwy CBC. Ken has been a member of the CIPFA Council, and sits on CIPFA's Board for the Regions and Public Finance and Management Board. Tim Day, currently acting Chair of the panel will act as the vice chair for around 6 months to allow for a smooth transition. A new vice chair will then be appointed who will have a key supporting role in dealing with what will be a demanding workload.

NEW LAAP Bulletins:
LAAP Bulletin 71 - The Annual Governance Statement
CIPFA and Solace have revised best practice guidance on governance and internal control. This bulletin outlines the implications for the 2007/08 Statement of Accounts of this change.
Download LAAP Bulletin 71 [PDF 69KB, 3 pages]
LAAP 72 - Accounting for Premiums and Discounts in the 2007/08 Accounts on Transition to the 2007 SORP Requirements
This bulletin applies to the 2007/08 financial year and concerns the accounting treatment of premiums and discounts on transition to the 2007 SORP requirements on 1 April 2007.
Download LAAP Bulletin 72 [PDF 124KB, 9 pages]
LAAP 73 - Closure of the 2007/08 Accounts and Use of Resources Assessments
The Local Authority Accounting Panel is issuing this bulletin to highlight areas that may cause authorities difficulties when closing the 2007/08 accounts.
Download LAAP Bulletin 73 [PDF 134KB, 17 pages]

New LAAP Bulletin on Accounting for Police Pensions and Top-Up Grant
This Bulletin applies to Police Authorities in England and Wales in relation to the 2007/08 financial year. The Bulletin specifies the appropriate accounting treatment for payments from or to the Secretary of State (pension top-up grant and payments to the sponsoring department) in relation to police pension funds following the coming into force of The Police Pension Fund Regulations 2007. This treatment differs from that detailed in the 2007 SORP. Read it here [PDF 39KB, 3 pages].

The 2007 SORP
The entirely new Chapter 4 of the 2007 SORP covers the much changed requirements for accounting for financial instruments in accordance with the new financial instruments accounting standards. As practitioners need to get ready for this at the very earliest stage, we’re making it available immediately on the website. Click here to download the PDF. To purchase the SORP please click here for details.

New LAAP Bulletin on Accounting for Equal Pay Back Pay Claims
The DCLG and Welsh Assembly Government have recently issued regulations covering equal pay back pay claims. LAAP bulletin 68 provides guidance on the accounting issues arising from the implementation of these new powers and the interaction with capitalisation directions. Read it here

File Your Authority's Charity Annual Returns Early
Many charities are managed by local authorities who act as corporate trustees. Nigel Davies, Deputy Head of Accountancy Policy, explains the Charity Commission's new campaign to encourage charities to file their annual reports and accounts early - and the guidance available to help beat the deadlines. Don't leave it to the last minute.

Local Authority Accounting Panel Occasional Paper
Local Government Pension Scheme Accounting For Retirement Benefits, Financial Reporting Standard 17 Calculation Guide for Local Authorities

Mercer Human Resource Consulting has produced this paper for CIPFA. Local authorities may find the Calculation Guide will assist them in their estimation processes to calculate their FRS 17 pensions assets and liabilities. However CIPFA cannot take responsibility for the accuracy of data generated by the Guide or the appropriateness to local authorities in all circumstances. Download the Paper: Word | PDF