Ellie Ames 21 August 2024

Council ‘needs financial plan’ after £60m school blunder

Council ‘needs financial plan’ after £60m school blunder image
Image: James Jiao / Shutterstock.com

Renfrewshire Council has been urged to develop a financial plan after its miscalculation over school places was estimated to cost £60m to fix.

Public spending watchdog Audit Scotland also said concerns remained about a ‘lack of transparency’ over the potential impacts of the error on the council’s finances and services.

An independent review previously found ‘fundamental and obvious flaws’ in how Renfrewshire calculated the number of primary school places needed for Dargavel, leaving the village short of hundreds of places.

A new report by the Accounts Commission said the local authority had shown a clear commitment to engaging with communities but needed to ‘act on the breadth and strength of views’.

The watchdog's deputy chair, Andrew Burns, said councillors should have access to appropriate training and development ‘to ensure historic failures of leadership and governance’ were not repeated.

A council spokesperson said the impact of the additional costs were considered in ongoing financial planning and had been factored into planned borrowing.

The spokesperson added: ‘We have always provided an extensive programme of support for elected members to allow them to carry out their duties and will consider if there are any opportunities for this to be further strengthened.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Approved Mental Health Professional

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226
The team operates across the County working days 8am-8pm and works in close partnership with colleagues in EDT to provide a robust 24 hour service. W Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

First Contact Assessment Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022
WHAT IS INVOLVED? Sometimes families in County Durham can face adversity and need support to ensure their children are safe, are thriving. Our First Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker - Families First (First Contact/MASH)

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091
Are you an experienced social worker who wants to make a real difference to children, young people and families, making sure they get the right suppor Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Recycling Non HGV Driver Chargehand

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
Are you an experienced driver with strong leadership skills? We’re looking for a Non-HGV Driver Chargehand to join our Waste and Recycling team. In t Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Recycling HGV Driver Chargehand

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 per annum
Are you an experienced HGV driver looking for a role where you can make a real difference in your community? We’re seeking a proactive and reliable i Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner