Governmental financial resilience under austerity: the case of English local authorities

The increased uncertainty, volatility and complexity arising from the economic crisis and the context of austerity require governments to put greater emphasis on flexibility, adaptability and a long-term perspective in their financial management. Through a multiple case study analysis of 4 local authorities, this report adopts the conceptual lens of financial resilience to explore the main shocks undergone by local authorities over the last 10 years and the related responses and capacities, with a specific focus on the recent 2008 crisis and current context of austerity. The analysis suggests relevant implications for policy makers and managers.