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

Social Worker - Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£36124.0000 - £51834.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time - 37 hours per week£36,124 to £51,834 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Learning Disability & Autism

Essex County Council
£48205.0000 - £57988.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
Senior Social Worker - Learning Disability & AutismPermanent, Full Time£48,205 to £57,988 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Finance Officer - Income Collection

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £28621.0000 per annum
Finance Officer - Income CollectionFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Democratic Services Officer

Essex County Council
£30295.0000 - £35641.0000 per annum
Democratic Services OfficerSecondment, Full Time£30,295 to £35,641 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Democratic Services Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£47,730 - £57,837
Democratic Services Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner