Mark Whitehead 03 April 2019

Northants closes £65m funding gap in under a year

Northamtonshire County Council has had its emergency section 114 notice lifted after wiping out a £65m funding gap in less than a year.

A report to its cabinet next week says it is now set to be £100,000 in the black in what council leader Matt Golby claimed as a 'remarkable achievement'.

However, he said the council's position was still 'fragile' and 'robust spending controls' would continue.

Government commissioners were sent in last year to rescue the council from a spiralling financial crisis.

A 'stabilisation plan' including cuts in services, increased charges and job losses was passed in a bid to balance the books, while the Government allowed the authority to raise its council tax to 4.99% and keep receipts from property sales which included the county hall.

Cllr Golby said: 'This is a remarkable achievement for all concerned and I would like to thank everyone for their hard work in making this happen.

'Let’s not forget that our financial challenge stood at £64.4m earlier this year so to be reporting such a positive situation for period 11 is a considerable accomplishment.

‘However, we still need to be cautious as – although this is exceptionally positive – it does not mean that the council has made a full recovery. Our financial position remains fragile.

'As such, the council will maintain its robust spending controls, including the continuation of the spending control panels, to ensure all spending is scrutinised to demonstrate best value in fulfilling the council’s objectives.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Finance Officer - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Highway Engineer – Highway Condition Specialist

W.D.M. Limited
£65,000 - £80,000 based on experience
We are looking for a driven and experienced Professional Civil Engineer with a strong background in highways engineering to join our team. Bristol
Recuriter: W.D.M. Limited

Deputy Head of Pensions

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£48,873 - £62,451 dependents on experience
The Pensions Finance team has a variety of work shared in a small team giving the opportunity to get involved in every area. The team provides financial and investment support to Wandsworth Council’s £3bn pension fund, the Southwest Middlesex Cremato Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Adults Social Worker - Forensic Mental Health

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum + Flexible Working
This position is open to Newly Qualified Social Worker's (NQSW) with relevant experience in Mental Health. The starting salary for NQSW's is £34,902 England, Essex, Wickford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Policy and Procedure Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152
Policy and procedure coordinator 18.5 hours ( working pattern to be agreed)   Are you a qualified Social Worker with experience of working with childr Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner