Martin Ford 15 February 2023

Auditor sounded alarm over BCP budget

Auditor sounded alarm over BCP budget image
Image: Olivier Le Moal/Shutterstock.com.

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 (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner