Christian Wall from the Municipal Bonds Agency (MBA) is attending to speak with the Panel about options of borrowing from or investing in municipal bonds.

This follows on from an item in October 2014 where the Panel considered a briefing note from the Council’s Head of Finance, the MBA business case summary and a questions and answers document.  These are included again for background information.

The Panel may wish to explore and consider:

-       The progress the MBA has made towards its aim of reducing Councils’ capital costs,

-       The financial implications and risks of either investing in or borrowing from the MBA, and whether these have changed since October,

-       Whether the Council’s investment and borrowing requirements have changed since October or are expected to change in the short-medium term (for example as a result of new government’s policies).

-       Whether the Panel wishes to produce a report with one or more recommendations to the City Executive Board in September.

For the Panel to consider the City Councils approach to municipal bonds.  The following documents are included to aid the discussion:

-       Briefing note on the proposed scheme for a Municipal Bonds Agency – Oxford City Council

-       Municipal Bonds Agency business case summary - The Local Government Association

-       Municipal bonds questions and answers – The Local Government Association