Ellie Ames 01 March 2024

Bradford issued Best Value Notice

Bradford issued Best Value Notice image
Image: Electric Egg / Shuterstock.com

The Government has issued a Best Value Notice to City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council over concerns about its financial resilience and children’s services.

The non-statutory notice is a formal notification that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has concerns about the council.

It follows a Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy review, which raised ‘serious concerns’ about Bradford’s financial resilience and control.

The notice also relates to ‘capacity to transform’ both the council and Bradford Children and Families Trust services ‘at sufficient pace’.

The DLUHC said: ‘Given the seriousness of the issues identified, a failure to deliver the level of change required at sufficient pace would be very concerning.’

It now expects Bradford to establish an independent advisory panel, produce an improvement plan, and continue to implement ‘cultural change’, particularly in relation to working relationships.

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said the council had been working 'extremely hard' to tackle its financial challenges, adding: ‘We welcome external challenge to help us keep on track.’

Bradford is also one of 19 local authorities to receive exceptional financial support worth a total of almost £2.5bn, announced by the DLUHC yesterday.

The council received ‘in principle’ capitalisation directions worth £80m for 2023-24 and £140m for 2024-25, which it said means it can now present balanced budgets for both years.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Events Officer - Harlow District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £18.28 per hour
Events Officer- Harlow District CouncilHarlow, Essex Full time, Temporary £18.28 per hour PAYE Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Cleaner

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role with great benefits? Darlington, Durham
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner