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

LADO Operation Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £53076 per annum
Lead the safeguarding response that protects children and young people across two boroughs. As the LADO Operations Manager for Kensington and Chelsea England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Community Connector (Mid)

Essex County Council
£27665.00 - £32546.00 per annum
Community Connector (Mid)Fixed Term, Full Time£27,665 to £32,546.00 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Violence Reduction Team Manager

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £53076 per annum
Lead a specialist team reducing violent harm and supporting young people to find safer, positive paths forward. As our Youth Violence Service Team Man England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Engineer (Highways Assets)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £44937 per annum
Help maintain and protect the borough's highways, bridges and drainage systems - keeping our streets safe and connected every dayHelp maintain and pro England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Quality and Improvement Officers

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 p.a.
A vacancy has arisen within the Property Partnerships and Innovation team for two full time permanent Quality and Improvement Officers.   WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner