Finance & Assets

One of the most insightful outcomes from our Future of Finance interview series has been the advice the finance directors we interviewed imparted for those considering or at an early stage in their Public Finance career.  Our conversations with s151s and their deputies have been honest, thought-provoking, and while concerning issues have come up time…

Over the past 12 months, the 31ten team have had the privilege of speaking with some of the most inspiring finance leaders working in local government today. Through our Future of Finance interview series, we’ve listened carefully as Section 151 officers, their deputies, and finance directors shared their experiences, their challenges, and — perhaps most…

Olga is the Executive Director of Resources (S151 Officer) at the London Borough of Enfield. She is responsible for the finance, digital services, revenues & benefits and procurement teams. We sat down with Olga in April 2025 to discuss her career journey so far and where she believes the future of finance is heading. Hi,…

The public sector remains under pressure to deliver more with less. This challenge is coupled with a renewed focus on driving local economic growth and the potential for fiscal devolution within local government. To navigate these pressures, innovative investment approaches are emerging like Place-Based Impact Investing (PBII), helping to attract external investment and shape markets…

Once the dust has settled, it will be essential to plan for regular progress reviews to ensure success. How are former LEP functions delivering against the local vision agreed in planning for integration? 

Kathy Freeman is currently the Strategic Director of Resources and S151 officer for Havering Council, an outer London Borough with significant financial challenges, resulting from an outdated funding formula that has failed to keep pace with the Borough’s fast-changing demographic profile. Kathy is supporting the Council to achieve medium-term financial sustainability, leading on discussions with…

Paul Clarke started his career as a 16-year-old apprentice at Blackpool Council, spending a total of 14 years there. Paul was Deputy Section 151, leading on the insourcing of the Finance team in Barnet. Now at Islington, where he has been for the past four years, Paul is the Director of Finance. Paul’s passions lay…

Taryn Eves is the Director of Finance at the London Borough of Haringey. She has just over 25 years of experience in Local Government, across Bexley, Kensington and Chelsea, West Sussex and now Haringey. Although Director of Finance now, Taryn has held a diverse range of corporate roles over the years, including corporate policy and…

Rikin Tailor has spent almost two decades working in local government finance and is currently Director of Finance (deputy s151 officer) at Westminster City Council. Rikin started his career at the London Borough of Haringey, before joining the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Having previously worked in senior roles including Head of Corporate Finance…

Although most New Year’s Resolutions are unlikely to make it past February, the new financial year brings about the opportunity for local authorities to commit to changes much longer term.