William Eichler 12 June 2024

Councils ‘too slow’ at resolving £40m dispute

Councils ‘too slow’ at resolving £40m dispute image
Image: CHOKCHAI POOMICHAIYA / Shutterstock.com.

Two Northamptonshire councils have been 'too slow' to resolve a dispute over £40m of debt, an auditor has warned.

The disagreement began when the former Northamptonshire County Council divided into two unitary authorities, West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council.

According to the BBC, Mark Stocks, from auditor Grant Thornton, told West Northamptonshire Council: ‘To be candid, I just think you're being too slow on disaggregation.

‘We're into year four now of the organisation's life and we've not agreed a position.

‘It's quite a sizable chunk of cash, around £40m, that you haven't yet agreed with the North.’

Mr Stocks said that there would be financial uncertainty at West Northamptonshire Council and North Northamptonshire Council if a solution is not reached.

He also warned that unless the councils settle the dispute the auditors would have to step in with ‘statutory powers’ to find a resolution.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team Malton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Project Officer Economic Development, Skills & Employment

North Northamptonshire Council
£38 220 - £40 777
The focus of this role within the Economic Growth & Sustainability team is economic development Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Project Support Officer Economic Growth & Sustainability

North Northamptonshire Council
£31 537 - £32 597
You’ll find that we have a wide range of careers that may be more surprising than you think! Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Service Director - Highways

Central Bedfordshire
£95,953 – £106,769
As part of the council’s leadership team, you will lead specialist technical services Bedfordshire
Recuriter: Central Bedfordshire
Linkedin Banner