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

Senior Support Worker - DBIT West

Essex County Council
£26284.0000 - £33256.0000 per annum
Senior Support Worker - DBIT WestPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Leader LGV Driver

Wakefield Council
G6 SCP 12 £28,598 - SCP 18 £31,537
Are you passionate about making a different to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Strategy and Performance Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434
We’re looking to recruit a Strategy and Performance Assistant to strengthen our Corporate Strategy and Performance team. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Pest Control Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
We are looking for a dedicated and professional Pest Control Officer to join our Commercial Pest Control Team Malton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Lawyer

Durham County Council
£47,181 to £51,356 p.a. (Grade 13)
Are you looking to progress your legal career in child protection work? If so, we are seeking a Lawyer to join our Children’s Social Care Team within Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner