Weaknesses in council's financial records
The auditors expressed concerns about accounts around the purchase of three properties – Charter Building, Thames Tower and the Porter Building – worth £351 million.They said Spelthorne Council only paid £297.9 million and "grossed up" the value of the properties for the remaining £53.7 million, with the debt added to its balance sheet.The auditor's report says the council "is having to live with the fact that its current investment portfolio is in a net debt position" of £300 million.The council's external borrowing hit £1.1 billion in March 2024.
'Toxic' culture
The report also noted a peer review undertaken by the Local Government Association in 2022 which said "poor behaviour" by some councillors towards each other and staff was "widely recognised as damaging the council's reputation".Multiple recommendations were made to improve Spelthorne Council's financial stability and governance, including better record keeping and workshops to address the "apparent 'toxic' culture across the member group".A council spokesperson said officers had agreed draft responses to the report and would create an action plan.A "comprehensive review" will also be undertaken into the work of its finance team, they said. Spelthorne Borough Council's audit committee meets to discuss the report at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday.
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