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

Team Co-ordinator

Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman
£30,253 - £36,117 per annum
For over 50 years we have been the voice of the public Hybrid working – allocated to offices in Coventry or York
Recuriter: Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman

Children and Young People with Disabilities Support Worker

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Children and Young People with Disabilities Support WorkerPermanent, Full Time£26.284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Assistant - 18 month FTC

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Information Governance AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Housing Officer- Income Recovery - WMF2881e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£36,363- £37,280
Following an exciting restructure of our Housing Team, we are delighted to offer several new opportunities Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Learning and Skills Tutor - ESOL WMF2887e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£36,363 - £37,280 (pro rata)
This is an exciting role which will involve delivering both accredited and non-accredited ESOL courses at various levels. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner