Grave warnings were issued about 11th hour changes to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s budget before frustrated leader Drew Mellor resigned, it has emerged.

In a letter sent on Friday and published yesterday, external auditor Grant Thornton urged the council to pursue a ‘traditional budget setting approach’.

Key audit partner Peter Barber said chief executive Graham Farrant and section 151 officer Adam Richens had ‘verbally communicated concerns’ to council leaders about last-minute changes.

Mr Barber wrote: ‘We are highly concerned that any last minute amendment is introduced without appropriate advice and extra checks and balances to ensure it is in the best long term interest of the council.’

A further letter from local government minister Lee Rowley refers to BCP’s pursuit of ‘commercial opportunities’.

Mr Rowley said the council should ‘proceed with a suitable degree of caution’ and follow the ‘spirit and intent of government guidance’.

The Government tightened its rules around local authorities selling assets to council-controlled companies after BCP tabled proposals to dispose of beach huts to raise £54m.

In his resignation statement, Cllr Mellor said his efforts to find ‘new, sustainable income sources’ and limit council tax increases had been stymied.

He added: ‘It has become clear that this has been at odds with civil servant and treasury orthodoxy who appear determined that the future of local government is one of maximum council tax and cuts to services.’

Deputy leader Phil Broadhead has stepped into the role until Tuesday, when a new leader will be elected and next year’s budget agreed.

He said he has had drawn up new budget proposals that have been approved by Mr Richens.

This article was originally published by The MJ (£).