William Eichler 11 September 2018

Northants council-owned company spends ‘thousands’ on luxury events

An investigation has been launched after it was revealed a company belonging to cash-strapped Northamptonshire CC spent ‘thousands’ on luxury events.

An internal audit launched in 2017 after a whistle-blower raised concerns reportedly found that NEA Properties paid thousands for a rugby club hospitality box and a vintage bomber flypast.

Northamptonshire County Council is facing a potential budget shortfall of £60m-70m and has had to issue two Section 114 notices this year.

The council-owned limited company paid £3,624 on a flypast at a memorial event in May 2015 and spent £80,000 with the rugby club Northampton Saints, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

NEA Properties also spent £2,700 on a heritage dinner with string quartet and £250 on cheese and biscuits at a stately home event.

There will now be an external review of NEA Properties.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire County Council said: ‘An independent, external review into NEA Properties has been commissioned by the council.

‘As such we are not in a position to comment any further on this matter until we receive the outcomes and findings of this review.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner