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

Community Learning and Skills Tutor - WMF2620e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£32,061 £32,597 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver Arts and Crafts classes in sewing and textiles Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Gardener

Ribble Valley Borough Council
£26,403 to £26,824 per annum
Enthusiastic and self-motivated, you will carry out general maintenance of parks, playing fields and other open spaces Clitheroe, Lancashire
Recuriter: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Senior Occupational Therapist (Housing)

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£44,498 - £48,947 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Occupational Therapist to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

GIS Senior Planning Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£31,537 to £34,434 per annum
Our Planning Services team plays a vital role in shaping the natural and built environment across the county. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Planning Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£47,181 - up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
Are you ready to take the next step in your planning career? Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner