William Eichler Wednesday, June 12, 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

Associate Director – Acquisitions, Compliance & Maintenance

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council
£108,015 – £118,680 (pay award pending)
At Dudley Council, we are committed to delivering better outcomes for our residents through strong leadership. Dudley, West Midlands
Recuriter: Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Permanent Contract Part Time (6hrs 15mins hours per week) Term Time Only Required to start as soon as possible   Chester le St CE Primary School seeks Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,583 to £26,824 p.a. (Grade 4) pay award pending
A vacancy has arisen for a permanent, full time Finance Assistant to provide responsive, efficient and effective administrative support to Transaction Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 (Pro Rata)
Term time plus 15 days – Part Time - 10 - 15 hours per week (between the hours of 3.00pm -  6.00pm) Hours may be subject to change. Required to start Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Headteacher

Durham County Council
£67,898- £78,702
Group 2 (L12-L18) Required for 1 January 2027 The Governors seek to appoint a committed, experienced and enthusiastic teacher with senior management e Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner