Sam Clayden 23 March 2016

LEPs not transparent enough warns auditors

The National Audit Office (NAO) has issued a warning over the transparency of local enterprise partnerships (LEPs).

In a new report, the auditors said that the approach taken to overseeing growth deals by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) risked future value for money.

The NAO also said the department had failed to come up with quantifiable objectives for what it hoped to achieve through growth deals.

Head of the NAO, Amyas Morse, said: ‘LEPs’ role has expanded rapidly but they are not as transparent to the public as we would expect, especially given they are now responsible for significant amounts of taxpayers’ money.

‘While the DCLG has adopted a light touch approach to overseeing growth deals it is important this doesn’t become no touch.’

Chair of the public accounts committee, Meg Hillier, warned that throwing money at LEPs would not relieve the Government of accountability.

She said: ‘The majority of LEPs do not publish information on senior staff pay and 30% do not have any form of independent scrutiny over investment decisions they make with taxpayer money.’

Visit The MJ for more on this story.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner