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

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thundersley Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thundersley Primary SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - St Francis' Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - St Francis' PrimaryPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Lawford Mead Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Lawford Mead PrimaryPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Riverside Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Riverside Primary SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Lawyer (Litigation)

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 - £52860
Would you like to join a local authority where you can progress your legal career and be supported to excel professionally? If so, join the Legal Team at West Northants Council, one of the newest and the fourth biggest Unitary Council in England. You wi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner