Insights

03 Nov 2026Borrowing

PWLB lending: October 2026 - Are shorter-term and EIP loans gaining favour?

October 2026 saw £1.73 billion in PWLB lending, up 44% on September, with local authorities continuing to favour shorter-term borrowing and showing a growing appetite for Equal Instalments of Principal (EIP) loans. With borrowing costs remaining elevated, the latest figures highlight how authorities are adapting their borrowing strategies to navigate an increasingly challenging financing environment.

29 Oct 2026Borrowing

Autumn Budget 2026: What next for PWLB borrowing?

The Autumn Budget 2026 introduces important changes for local authority borrowing, including an increased PWLB lending limit, an extension of preferential borrowing rates for council housebuilding and additional funding for infrastructure investment. We explore what these announcements will mean for local authority treasury management.

27 Oct 2026Economic Updates

What Are the Proposed UK Treasury Bill Market Reforms?

The UK Treasury bill market is set for major reform, with the introduction of 12-month T-bills, new repo facilities and measures to improve secondary market liquidity. These changes could reshape the short-term investment market, creating new opportunities for treasury investors while strengthening the UK's money markets.

21 Oct 2026Economic Updates

What Can We Expect in the 2026 Autumn Budget?

Chancellor John Healey delivers his first Autumn Budget on 28 October, with fiscal headroom roughly halved since March. Potential tax rises, defence funding gaps, above-target inflation, North Sea energy and youth unemployment are among the pressures shaping his difficult choices.

15 Oct 2026Universities

Should Universities Lend to Local Authorities?

Could universities be missing out on attractive investment returns by overlooking local authority lending? Our latest insight explores the credit strengths, competitive rates and straightforward access that make it worth considering.

14 Oct 2026Technical

What Happened with Manchester City’s Accounts?

This insight examines the allegations surrounding Manchester City’s financial accounts and the importance of presenting a true and fair view. It highlights why transparency and accurate financial reporting are essential to understanding an organisation’s true financial position.

08 Oct 2026Economic Updates

What Do Government Bond Spreads Tell Us?

Government bond yields alone reveal only part of the picture. Comparing sovereign spreads exposes growing fiscal concerns in France, a more nuanced outlook for the UK, and mounting pressures across developed markets, with important implications for borrowing and investment decisions.

07 Oct 2026Housing

Secured or Unsecured Borrowing: What Should Housing Associations Consider?

Unsecured borrowing offers housing associations greater flexibility, lower transaction costs and access to alternative funding sources. With security constraints tightening, unsecured revolving credit facilities provide an attractive way to diversify funding, preserve property security and access competitively priced liquidity.

06 Oct 2026Charities

What Makes a Good Treasury Policy for a Charity and When Should It Be Reviewed?

A strong treasury policy should provide a durable framework for managing cash, investments and borrowing, while remaining responsive to changing risks and circumstances. We explore how charities can test whether their policy still supports good decisions, effective governance and resilience.