Quarterly Revenue Outturn

The Department for Communities and Local Government is asking English local authorities to report revenue expenditure and forecast outturn on a quarterly basis.

The collection of quarterly accrued revenue data commenced from quarter three of the 2010-11 financial year (October to December 2010). That quarter constituted a "dry-run". Full collection of the data has now begun from the 2011-12 financial year. A copy of the Quarterly Revenue Outturn form and its accompanying guidance notes can be found in the related downloads section at the bottom of the page. Also in this section is a copy of two letters to all Chief Finance Officers in local authorities explaining the importance of this data requirement.

The Department has worked closely with HM Treasury and officials in the Office for Budget Responsibility to develop an approach that can balance the need for the data with the Government's commitments to reduce overall burdens on local authorities. The wider context is of considerable burden reductions announced by the Government in the Spending Review. The Department is committed to reducing the data burden on local authorities and has undertaken a review of data reporting requirements - please visit the single data list page, see link top right, for further information.

We remain committed to ensuring that the information we collect is necessary, relevant and justified. However, in the current economic climate, it is particularly important that fiscal forecasts are based on the best data possible. Local government spending has been the greatest uncertainty in recent forecasts and the variation between initial budgets and outturn data provided eighteen months later has resulted in substantial revisions. HM Treasury and the Office of Budget Responsibility require more accurate and timely data that is consistent across the sector, so that central government can fully understand the implications of its decisions and its work to reduce the deficit.

For more information on quarterly revenue outturn please email QRO@communities.gsi.gov.uk