TISonline is CIPFA’s online information resource for public sector financial managers. It provides over 30 information streams of guidance and commentary covering the financial, legislative, administrative and strategic context to the public services. TISonline information streams are supported by news, discussion forums and e-alert services.

To use TISonline you need to register and log on to the website. You will then have access to the information streams that are covered by your organisation’s subscription. A range of subscription packages are available, covering individual information streams or the full TISonline service. For details of your organisation’s current subscription, log on to the website.
Business Interruption Insurance outlines the purpose of this form of insurance and the main types of policy cover and conditions. It concludes with a brief summary of possible future concerns for local authorities. This section has been reviewed and updated.

Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) summarises the latest situation with respect to the VBS and the criminal records review, the government response to which was published at the end of 2011. It also outlines the relevant recommendations of the Protection of Freedoms Bill. This section, which appears in Current Affairs, has been reviewed and updated.

Draft Model Resolutions for Council Tax Setting has been updated with new examples reflecting the changes introduced by the Localism Act 2011.

Managing Financial Risk provides an overview of the main financial risks that affect housing associations in the areas of strategy, performance monitoring and resource, and gives guidance on managing these risks. The section has been updated to cover current issues that affect the social housing sector.

Motor Insurance outlines the main types of motor insurance and the policy cover extensions available to local authorities. It also looks at policies with reference to hired vehicles and plant, private cars used on official business and aspects of motor fleet risk management. This section has been reviewed and updated.

The definition of student nurse in Section 11: Discounts has been amended. Section 13A contains new commentary on the changes that will arise from the Local Government Finance Bill.

Changes to Social Housing Regulation in England covers progress in the introduction of a new regulatory framework for social housing, following the publication of the TSA's recent consultation. The new system will come into operation from April 2012.

Definition of student nurse in Discounts and Reliefs has been updated to reflect the Health Act 1999 (Consequential Amendments) (Nursing and Midwifery) Order 2004.

Sources of Finance examines the various means by which facilities and leisure services can be procured, highlighting current investment opportunities and the latest co-ordinated thinking. It also identifies sources of grant funding. This updated section takes account of changes in the procurement mechanisms available and the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Public Sector Equality Duty briefly outlines the information which public bodies are required to publish in order to comply with the Equality Act 2010. It also provides links to further sources of information from the Home Office and the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
Equality Advisory and Support Service summarises the aims of the planned new service, which will provide expert advice and telephone support to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals. Both sections have been added to Current Affairs.

Buses explores the legislative, administrative and practical aspects of bus service provision. This update includes references to tender strategies, the Competition Commission and the Government Transport Select Committee inquiry into the funding of bus services. This section also provides information on bus rapid transit and buses in Scotland.

Buses explores the legislative, administrative and practical aspects of bus service provision. This update includes references to tender strategies, the Competition Commission and the Government Transport Select Committee inquiry into the funding of bus services. This section also provides information on bus rapid transit and buses in Scotland.

Risk Management examines risk management in relation to the Local Government Pension Scheme. The example risks that could be included in a risk register have been expanded and updated.

The Performance Pulse: Managing Performance to Achieve Strategic Outcomes (CIPFA, 2011) is now available on the Financial Management and Corporate Governance information stream. National external performance measurement is being rolled back, with more freedom for public bodies to develop their own measures and use them for improvement. The guide covers the principles, ideas and practice involved in performance management.

Current Affairs: Changes to Social Housing Regulation has been updated to cover progress in the introduction of a new regulatory framework for social housing, following the publication of the TSA's recent consultation. The new system will come into operation from April 2012.

Private Sector Housing provides an overview of the relevant private sector housing legislation, with particular focus on the changes introduced by the Housing Act 2004, and the associated local authority powers. This section has been reviewed and updated.

Fire Authorities considers the organisation of the fire service in the UK and the arrangements for internal and external audit. It also identifies emerging themes and current issues. This section has been reviewed and updated to reflect current developments.

Community Interest Companies summarises the background to the introduction of community interest companies (CICs) and how they differ from charities and other companies. It also examines how CICs can be used to benefit social enterprises and the implications of the Localism Act 2011. This section has been reviewed and updated.

The CIPFA publication, The Performance Pulse - Managing Performance to Achieve Strategic Outcomes (CIPFA, 2011) is now available on TISonline Budgeting.

Scheme Administration looks at the administrative arrangements for the LGPS, covering performance standards, communications with scheme members, dealing with small and new employers and bulk transfers. This section has been fully reviewed and updated.

Cross Sectoral Budgeting Issues identifies the external factors and developments which influence budgeting in UK public services. This section has been updated to include the impact of the economic downturn, the creation of the OBR, partnership working in the NHS and a case study on community budgets.

Investment Management addresses types of investment and the formulation of an investment strategy. It also covers dealing practicalities and the key considerations regarding in-house or external investment management. This section has been fully revised and updated.



CLG has published a brief guide, summarising the parameters of how the new system will work and the clauses in the Bill.

Government publishes updated and refreshed regeneration toolkit, outlining the new options, powers, tools and incentives available to local communities.

The January monthly e-alert is now available online.

Government confirms £32.7bn high-speed rail line linking London to Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.