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Northamptonshire to create independent improvement board

Northamptonshire County Council is set to create an independent improvement board following its financial difficulties. The board would be made up of county council members, officers and representatives from district and borough councils.

It would continue its work until the proposed new system of unitary governance in the county is established, following the recent recommendation of a government Best Value inspection.

County council leader Cllr Matthew Golby said: “We are committed to making the necessary improvements to our financial management and governance as highlighted by the Best Value Inspection.

“Establishing an independent improvement board is a key part of our journey as it will enable us to ensure the agreed improvements actions are implemented and help to restore public and stakeholder confidence in the council.

“By including representatives from the borough and district councils, it will also help with the transition to unitary government and enable closer working between the current tiers of local government.”

Earlier this year, the county issued a section 114 notice preventing any new spending commitments due to a lack of cash.

The creation of the improvement board will be discussed by cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

Until recently, the FRC had little involvement in local government affairs. But with investigations into council officers becoming more frequent, where is the political accountability?

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