Tories told they're failing on money

10.50.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st Oct 2009

The Auditor's report for the Tory controlled County Council has shown once again that when it comes to finances the Tory administration just can't get its act together - with the costs and risks falling on to the shoulders of local residents. The Annual Governance Report has been passed, but qualified once again, showing that the Auditors are unhappy with the systems in place.

Cllr Paul Goggins, Lib Dem spokesperson on the Audit Committee, said: 'The Tories have scraped through by the skin of their teeth once again. The Auditor said quite clearly today: "If the council don't get it right next year the Auditor will consider using his statutory powers next year." What makes matters worse is that this has been caused by the same concerns which were raised last year and which the Tories assured us they would see fixed.'

Cllr Ron Tindall who was attending the meeting for the first time was horrified. 'The Tories appear to be presiding over a series of inefficient and failing systems. We received some of the papers for the meeting on the day and they then expected us to sign off all 172 pages of the Accounts. Even the Tories' own portfolio holder said that it was unacceptable to have the accounts qualified two years running. So why has it happened again?'

Further revelations revealed that, despite the external auditor seeking legal counsel the Tory administration had chosen to ignore recommendations to amend the accounts with regards to half a million pounds which should have been paid to the pension fund.

Cllr Allan Siao Ming Witherick said 'I find it amazing that, when an Auditor has stated quite clearly that "in order to remedy the unlawful practice I recommend that" the Tories just say, "We'll sort it out for next year." Well if the example of the asset management system, where the Auditors are now threatening to use their statutory powers, is anything to go by, then I am severely concerned!'

The Liberal Democrat opposition on the County Council have undertaken to keep a close eye on this and have already asked for the consideration of a topic group to scrutinise the systems to be considered.