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 (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Building Control

London Borough of Merton
MGC - £69,807 - £74,790 per annum
Help shape Merton’s future Merton, London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Merton

Service Director – Children's Social Care

West Berkshire Council
From £106,618 to £113,740 (Grade O)
Shape what comes next for children and families Newbury - Council Offices, Market Street
Recuriter: West Berkshire Council

Restorative Justice Practitioner

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Restorative Justice PractitionerPermanent, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Digital and Data Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £27,274 - £29,542
Join our team as a Digital & Data Project Support Officer and help shape the future of Culture, Sport, and Tourism!   WHAT IS INVOLVED?    In this vi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Operational Support Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 (£26,427 - £27,709)
Are you an organised and customer-focused individual looking for an opportunity to support a busy frontline service?   We have an exciting opportunity Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner