William Eichler 23 January 2025

Council’s senior management ‘unaware’ of £13.5m overspend

Council’s senior management ‘unaware’ of £13.5m overspend  image
Image: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

Guildford Borough Council’s senior management were ‘unaware’ of a multi-million-pound overspend on a housing contract but should have noticed a series of ‘red flags’, investigation concludes.

A review last May of the council's housing and best value governance by senior officers' group Solace uncovered a series of risks, potential fraud, and a £13.5m overspend on a housing contract.

A new investigation was commissioned by Guildford and Waverley BCs aimed at establishing ‘who knew what, when, and what actions were taken, or should have been taken’ to secure compliance and deliver best value.

Conducted by the law firm Heminsley Law and published today, the investigation report concludes that senior management and those responsible for housing were ‘unaware’ of the overspend.

However, it lists what it describes as ‘red flags’, such as conflicts of interests and allegations of fraud in 2022, that it says should have been visible to senior management and Guildford’s Corporate Management Board.

Guildford BC leader Cllr Julia McShane commented: ‘We recognise the importance of this investigation to understand what went wrong in the past and make meaningful changes to ensure a stronger future.

‘Our residents deserve a council that delivers best value for them. Our priority is to do the right thing, not the easy thing, for the benefit of our residents and businesses.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

HR Onboarding Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
You have an opportunity to be part of a busy Human Resources team which offers HR support across the Council. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Purchase to Pay Administrator (Fixed Term) - WMF2122e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£25,584 - £25,992
We are looking for an Administrator to join our Purchase to Pay and Accounts Receivables team Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - WMF2123e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£41,511 - £42,708
We’re looking for passionate social workers to join our team in Kendal following a recent reshape of our services. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Environmental Health Officer

Wyre Borough Council
£38,626 - £41,511
We are looking to appoint a full time Environmental Health Officer within the Environmental Protection and Community Safety Department. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council

Trainee Graduate Accountant

Wyre Borough Council
£25,992 - £37,938
Are you looking to kickstart your career in Finance? Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner