Senior Tories in town are demanding changes be made at Warrington Borough Council based on a scathing report. The report, which came after a long wait, focused on the council’s financial situation and lack of external audits. The lead inspector highlighted the council’s worsening budget position and lack of confidence in addressing debt without outside help.
Recommendations in the report suggest that the Secretary of State should consider appointing commissioners to oversee the council’s improvement. The Government’s proposed intervention includes the appointment of ministerial envoys to assist in the process. Senior Conservatives are calling for full implementation of the recommendations, including the appointment of commissioners to address the failures in leadership.
Former Conservative opposition leader Nigel Balding criticized the council’s resistance to scrutiny and its high-risk commercial program. He highlighted the lack of understanding from Labour and officers about the democratic process. Another former Conservative councillor, Mark Jervis, mentioned the failure to implement improvement recommendations and the withholding of crucial information.
Former Warrington South MP Andy Carter urged the council to take the inspectors’ recommendations seriously and appoint commissioners to tackle the financial crisis. He emphasized the importance of following the recommendations fully to protect taxpayers from the council’s risky borrowing practices. Additionally, former committee member Ken Critchley called for leadership changes to facilitate real reform and prevent further financial risks to residents.
The council has pledged to cooperate with the recommendations and develop an improvement plan promptly. However, Reform UK in Warrington aims to educate the public on the report’s contents without political bias. They plan to reveal the full extent of the council’s issues to taxpayers. The Liberal Democrat opposition group also stressed the need for substantial reform in governance, scrutiny, and financial accountability.
Leader Cllr Mark Browne emphasized the importance of meaningful action over symbolic change. He welcomed the council’s decision to appoint independent chairs for key committees but questioned how lasting improvements would be achieved under ministerial oversight. The push for transparency and effective oversight continues as different political groups in Warrington navigate the aftermath of the damning report.
