Dan Peters 23 March 2023

Croydon pushes ahead with drive to hold former leaders to account

Croydon pushes ahead with drive to hold former leaders to account image
Image: BasPhoto / Shutterstock.com.

Croydon LBC has announced ‘unprecedented action’ to hold ex-senior leaders to account for ‘misconduct, wrongdoing and failures in governance’ that contributed to its financial collapse.

The council’s appointments and disciplinary committee today unanimously agreed that a file will be sent to the Metropolitan Police and any relevant professional bodies and institutes ‘for their consideration’.

It comes after independent investigator Richard Penn – a senior associate with the Local Government Association - asked members to consider referring his report into the reasons for the financial collapse of Croydon to the police for ‘assessment of any further action being warranted in regard to the handling of public money and conduct in public office’.

Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

In what is thought to be a first for local government, the committee also unanimously agreed to take legal action to ‘recover as much as legally possible’ of the £437,000 financial settlement paid to former chief executive Jo Negrini, who has not responded to requests for comment.

A council spokesperson said they were unable to comment on how much of the settlement the council would be seeking or able to recover.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.0000 per hour
Planning Administrator - Rochford District Council Rochford, Essex Part-Time, Temporary - 6 Months Contract 22.5 hours per week (3 days) £15.00 PAYE / England, Essex, Rochford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Custody Navigator

Middlesbrough Council
£31,022 - £32,597
We have an exciting role on offer within our Youth Justice Service as a Custody Navigator. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Accounts Receivable Advisor

Middlesbrough Council
£27,254 - £28,142
We have an exciting role on offer within our Resident and Business Support service Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Revenues and Benefits Apprentice

Mansfield District Council
National Minimum Wage rate
Do you have the confidence and communication skills to provide a friendly, helpful and efficient service? Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

Team Leaders

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363 (pay award pending)
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner