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

Senior Highways Inspection Officer

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead
£39,526 - £43,613 per annum.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Maidenhead, Berkshire
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Co-ordination Support Officer

Wakefield Council
Grade 5 SCP 8 £26,824 - SCP 11 £28,142
Do you have excellent business administration skills with an interest in working in Adults Social Care? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Engineering Team Manager (Transportation)

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
Special A Grade, SCP 42-45, £53,460 - £56,732 per annum
Lead the way. Shape Calderdale’s transport future. Calderdale, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

Social Worker Care Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression) pro rata pa
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Social Worker who places young people at the centre of their practice. This is an exciting opportunity to make Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Accommodation Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699
Are you passionate about preventing homelessness and making a real difference in people’s lives? As an Accommodation Officer in our Independent Livin Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner