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

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Apprentice Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£7.55 per hour
Apprentice Teaching Assistants Temporary – 15 month Apprenticeship Contact Full Time – term time only plus 2 weeks £7.55 per hour Start Date
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner