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

Assistant Engineer or Engineer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £32,841 for Assistant Engin
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Service Manager - Environmental Health (Commercial)

Barnet London Borough Council
£62,766 - £69,984
The Assurance and Public Protection directorate ensures democratic accountability of council services. Barnet (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Barnet London Borough Council

Pause Practice Lead

Oxfordshire County Council
£54495 - £57864
Are you an ambitious, creative and influential leader who is passionate about reducing the number of children being removed into care by supporting women to bring about change in their lives? About Pause Pause works with women who have experienced re Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Multi Schools Council Quadrant Facilitator

Essex County Council
£29121.00 - £34259.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Multi Schools Council Quadrant FacilitatorPermanent, Full Time£29,121 to £34,259 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Early Help Navigators (MASH Service)

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£40,737 - £49,365 per annum
Early Help Navigators (MASH Service)
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner