Damning report puts town hall project in the balance

MAJOR failings at Uttoxeter Town Council have been exposed in a dossier compiled by the Audit Commission.

The council watchdog, called in by ex-mayor Pauline Morrison, criticised the council's financial management and compliance with legal obligations.

The report, from appointed auditor Jackie Bellard, also casts doubts over the legality of the planned retail development of Uttoxeter Town Hall, with the future of the project now hanging in the balance.

In the damning report, Ms Bellard also criticises the council for failing to set a balanced budget for the current financial year which ends in April.

She said: "Uttoxeter Town Council's finances are in a poor state.

"The council has failed to meet statutory deadlines and has yet to set a balanced budget for 2010/2011.

"Its reliance on redeveloping the Town Hall to provide new shops is of dubious legality, and it has failed to make allowance for any of the shops remaining un-let.

"It is essential the council gets a firm grip on its finances by implementing the recommendations of my report."

In total, nine recommendations have been issued.

They range from reviewing the financial administration, appointing a financial officer and obtaining legal advice for ongoing projects.

Ms Bellard also criticised the way the council had handled the departure of former clerk Barry Holland, who was initially placed on 'gardening leave' before resigning last month.

Mrs Morrison is pleased her decision to report the council to the Audit Commission has been vindicated.

She said: "When I became mayor in May 2008 I was extremely worried when I was told the financial situation.

"I had no choice but to do the right thing and call in the Audit Commission.

"Reading the report, we as a council have to abide by their recommendations.

"I have been a critic of the Town Hall redevelopment. I have always maintained that the council cannot afford to finance this project.

Martin Blencowe, the authority's only Labour councillor, has consistently complained about the management of the council.

He said: "Clearly the ruling Tory group have failed in their responsibilities and have ignored myself and others in council who have constantly questioned their management.

"I am angry. Had the Tory group listened to the concerns raised two years ago, it would not have come to this.

"Instead they preferred to ridicule my concerns in the press.

"We have to look at and review the council's expenditure to give proper value for money – something a good council would have been doing year-on-year, but not as a panic exercise to cover the Tory black hole in the finances.

"Those responsible for this mess should consider their position given the waste they have incurred."

Howard Grigg, Uttoxeter's mayor, has been working with deputy town clerk Lynne Brown to review the authority's finances.

He said: "There is nothing in the report I didn't know already. It will be discussed next week."

The town council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Thursday at 7pm at the Town Hall to consider the report and set the town council precept for the 2010/11 financial year. Copies of the full Audit Commission report are available at www.thisisuttoxeter.co.uk/report