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/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Specialist Literacy Teacher (Experts at Hand)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,961 - £54,131 plus SEN minimum £2,885
Specialist Literacy Teacher (Experts at... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service North

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service NorthPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Support Worker - Family Time & Support Service

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Support Worker - Family Time and Support Service NorthPermanent, Part Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director Children and Education (DCS)

West Surrey Council
£161,239 - £177,363 plus benefits (with flexibility for an exceptional appointment, up to £190,000)
Build the future. Shape lives. Lead change. West Surrey
Recuriter: West Surrey Council
Linkedin Banner