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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Chief Officer for Inclusive Growth

Wigan Council
Grade
Wigan Council
Recuriter: Wigan Council

Teaching Assistant

Isle of Wight Council
£7,543 per annum
We are building a culture where relationships matter, where behaviour Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Midday Supervisory Assistant

Isle of Wight Council
£5,943 per annum
We are building a culture where relationships matter, where behaviour is rooted Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£26,847- £28,153
You will play a vital role in supporting local communities and visitors across North Yorkshire. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner