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

Teacher of the Deaf (North East Essex)

Essex County Council
£34000.0000 - £54000.0000 per annum
Teacher of the Deaf (North East Essex)Permanent, Full TimeTeachers Pay and ConditionsLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.9900 per hour
IT Support Officer - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Full-Time, Temporary - 37 hours per week 3-Month Contract £15.99 PAYE / £20.51 Umbrella England, Essex, Rochford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Experienced Social Worker

Cheshire East Council
£43,149 - £49,658 per annum
Join a council that puts relationships at the heart of practice. Macclesfield/ Crewe
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Personal Advisor

Cheshire East Council
£32,578 - £35,570 per annum
Help shape brighter futures for care leavers Crewe, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Social Worker (Progressed)

Cheshire East Council
£40,444 - £43,149 per annum
Join our ambitious Children's Services team and help shape brighter futures for children and young people. Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council
Linkedin Banner