Panel set to tackle ‘serious failures’ at Nottingham

The government is to appoint a panel of experts to help turn around troubled Nottingham City Council.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick announced yesterday (17 December) that an improvement and assurance board will be set up by the government to help the council deliver the recommendations in last month’s review into the local authority.

The decision to carry out the review, led by Max Caller, was taken following a report published in August by Grant Thornton, which raised a number of issues about council and its troubled energy company, Robin Hood Energy.

In September, Nottingham City Council announced that all Robin Hood’s customers were to be transferred to British Gas.

In a statement, Nottingham City Council said it fully accepts the findings of the rapid review and is committed to continuing to build on the strong action already taken to address the issues it identifies.

The government has also said Nottingham City Council must put forward their three-year recovery plan by the end of January.

This will set out how they will improve their financial position and review their investments.

And they must submit progress reports to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on a quarterly basis.

‘The rapid review into Nottingham City Council highlighted appalling financial and management issues within the council,’ said Mr Jenrick.

‘Taxpayers and residents have been let down by years of disgraceful mismanagement and inept ventures such as Robin Hood Energy, that have wasted tens of millions of pounds that should be being spent on public services. These must end now.

‘The council has a window in which to demonstrate that it is capable of running the city and turning the situation it has created around,’ he added.

Nottingham City Councl’s leader, Cllr David Mellen added: ‘I was determined from day one when I took over just 18 months ago to ensure that there is financial and service stability at the council. I will never shrink from tackling the big issues on behalf of residents and my determination is stronger than ever.

‘This latest report triggered by the Robin Hood Energy issue has served to strengthen my resolve, and I want to assure the people of Nottingham that under my leadership, we will always aim to work with integrity, listening to those who elected us.’

Photo Credit – Jo_Johnston (Pixabay)