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

Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils
£146,697
As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities, you will guide cultural transition, manage competing priorities Oxfordshire
Recuriter: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Domestic Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,796 - £25,185 pro rata p.a
If you are someone who takes pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming environment and enjoy making a difference in people’s daily lives through at Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 p.a. pro rata to hours worked (£12.85 per hour)
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? A permanent post is available at The Grove Primary School, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,106 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner