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

Head of Housing Strategy, Quality and Assurance

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 - £92,538
We’re looking for someone who can think holistically, and work in collaboration with other stakeholders Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£24,796 - £25,989 per annum, pro rata
We are looking for caring, flexible, team orientated and committed people to help us provide this transport. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

School Crossing Patrol

North Yorkshire Council
£12.85 - £13.47 per hour
All our school crossing patrols provide a really valuable service to the local community Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Operative

Amey
£Competitive
Working with National Highways, Amey maintains over 700 kilometres of roads across the East Midlands Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recuriter: Amey
Linkedin Banner