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

Assistant Traffic Management and Road Safety Engineer

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 to £34,434 per annum
Are you interested in a career in traffic engineering and would love the opportunity to learn whilst you earn? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Engineering Team Manager (Network Co-ordination)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
£53,460 - £56,732 per annum
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly driven candidate to join our Highways Asset Management team at Calderdale Council. Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Assistant Traffic Management and Road Safety Engineer

North Yorkshire Council
£29,064 to £34,434 per annum Grade
North Yorkshire Council
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Building Control Officer

Wakefield Council
£28,598 - £46,142
We are looking to recruit an ambitious person who is interested in furthering their career in local government Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Assistant Manager (Technical Overview)

Wakefield Council
£35,412 - £38,220
The post holder will deputise for the General Manager and play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operations of Wakefield Exchange Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner