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

Harbour Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 Per annum
As our Harbour Operative, you will play a key role in promoting the harbour to both visiting and local vessels. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Bridge Operative

North Yorkshire Council
£26,847 - £28,153 pro rata per
The role has a three-week rota which allows for variety and rotation of weekend working, with additional payments for night and weekend work. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

D1 Licensed Minibus Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£25,614 - £26,847 pro rata per annum
If you love working with people and naturally look out for others, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

School Crossing Patrol

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.92 per hour
We are currently looking for a dedicated School Crossing Patrol officer in Great Ayton who wants to make a real difference to their local community. Easingwold, York
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Principal Lawyer Litigation and Housing

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£53,051 to £58,258
We are looking for an enthusiastic, hardworking Lawyer to take on a leadership role within our Litigation and Housing Team. Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Linkedin Banner