Calls for 'independent' check of council finances

Opposition party leaders have called for a forensic investigation into their council's financial crisis.

In an open letter, Conservative, Labour and Independent group leaders are calling for independent accountants to look into the reasons that led to Gloucester City Council needing a £15.5m emergency loan from the Government.

At the most recent full council meeting on 27 January, Liberal Democrat leaders said such an exercise would cost about £200,000 and would duplicate work already carried out.

But opposition councillors said in the open letter the work is essential to restore trust in the authority through "full transparency", and called for "proper management of public funds".

"Residents and businesses are also set to suffer service cuts, increased fees, and higher council tax," the open letter reads, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The letter also said opposition party leaders were left disappointed after requests from the overview and scrutiny committee were not been taken up, and called for "select independent, qualified forensic accountants" to be procured.

"You have not provided any evidence to support your claim that the expense is excessive or unnecessary," it added.

"It is unacceptable for the Liberal Democrats to do this work in-house, particularly given the high stakes and the public's demand for impartial scrutiny.

"Our request reflects both professional advice we have received and strong concerns from local residents and businesses seeking transparency and accountability."

Council leader Jeremy Hilton told the meeting his administration had already conducted "forensic testing" of the accounts, going back to 2021.

"We've had the support of Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), we've had Ernst and Young as new auditors who have gone through it forensically."

After presenting a report in September and another in December, Hilton added: "For the first time in five years we've got an accurate assessment."

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