Martin Ford 10 May 2021

‘Wholesale improvements’ required at Slough

‘Wholesale improvements’ required at Slough image

External auditors have issued a scathing report on financial management at Slough BC.

The council’s preparation of financial statements, revenue reserves and governance of its companies have all been branded ‘inadequate’ in a statutory recommendations report by Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton also found ‘insufficient capacity and skills’ within the council's finance department.

The council faces budget gaps of £16m for 2021-22 and £18m in 2022-23, with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government yet to carry out its own assurance review as part of its £15.2m capitalisation direction for Slough.

Chief executive Josie Wragg said: ‘We are undertaking a massive transformation journey within the council, one which we knew would expose, and bring to the fore, areas that needed improvement, so we could better serve the residents of our town.

‘This journey, alongside work on the accounts for 2018-19 and related matters, has brought the fragility of our financial systems front and centre, and we are taking robust action to bring about wholescale and sustainable improvements in the service.’

Council leader James Swindlehurst said the reports were ‘disappointing but not surprising’.

A new financial leadership team has been put together, with executive director for corporate services and Section 151 Neil Wilcox leaving the council this week.

Cllr Swindlehurst added: ‘As a leadership, as members along with officers, we are putting plans in place to meet the gaps in our budget.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner