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

Administrator

Middlesbrough Council
£28,153 - £29,071
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and IT skills Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Business Support and Development Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£28,153 - £29,071
You will be required to provide a wide range of technical and administrative support, including responding to the public Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Community Learning Tutor

Middlesbrough Council
£29,542 - £31,015
We are looking for an enthusiastic and inclusive Community Learning Tutor to join our team and support learners Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Social Worker/Senior Social Worker - Safeguarding and Care Planning (SCP)

Middlesbrough Council
£36,581 - £45,529 (plus 15% market supplement once ASYE is completed)
As part of our ongoing improvement journey, we have invested significantly in creating the right environment for social workers to flourish. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Learning Support Assistant

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, point 4 £26,016 pro-rata
You will be an excellent support to the class teacher and pupils Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner