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

Service Manager - Care Leavers

Cheshire East Council
£54,994 per annum - £62,777 per annum
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Service Manager to join Cheshire East Council. Location TBC
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

SEND Plan Writer

Cheshire East Council
£31,537 - £34,434
We're looking for a dedicated SEND Plan Writer to join Cheshire East. Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Cheshire East Council
£42,072 - £54,994
Make a difference for children in care Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Occupational Therapy Lead

Gloucestershire County Council
£48,226 - £51,356 per annum
Are you passionate about supporting adults to live independently and achieve what matters most to them? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Adult Education Director

City Of Doncaster Council
DR1 £45,564 to DR8 £52,209
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Further Education leader Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner