A public interest report into the culture and governance of Cheshire East Council between 2014-18 could cost the authority a whopping £319,370.
That’s the external auditor’s proposed fee for the report which investigates the controversial practices of the council under former leader Michael Jones.
The 33-page report was published in January this year, as covered by Nantwich News.
It revealed incidents of bullying and inappropriate behaviour.
Mr Jones, the council’s leader from 2012 until 2015, stepped down following controversy surrounding the awarding of contracts to Nantwich-based Core Fit – which was owned by his physiotherapist.
The council’s audit and governance committee will be formally notified of the proposed fee at their meeting on June 8.
This fee will now be independently assessed by Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA).
Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of the council, said: “This proposed fee is a significant amount of public money that I would much rather see spent in directly supporting sustainable council services.
“The public interest report is about events in 2014-18.
“It does not call into question current affairs at the council.
“The series of events considered in the report have undoubtedly had impacts on the council and local residents, not least of which is this additional cost.
“It is the decision of the external auditor as to whether a matter is in the public interest and should be subject to such a report.
“The council is then legally required to pay the fee once it is confirmed.
“The legislation states that the external auditor ‘can recover the reasonable costs of making a public interest report’ from the council.”
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of the council, said: “It is unfortunate that this ‘bill’, ultimately resulting from past failings when the council was a very different organisation, is being proposed and will be invoiced at a time of such financial pressure for council services, and so long after the events themselves.
“While we await the PSAA’s determination about the final fee, it is important to note that funds from reserves in the completed 2022/23 accounts have been allocated to cover the fee, so there will be no immediate impact on the 2023/24 budget.
“Audit and governance committee will consider the proposed fee and the process to review the fee. However, we do not at this time know how long the review and will take and are not yet certain of the final cost.”
Bill Michael, I am sure he lined his own pockets during his time in charge, I don’t think the hardworking tax payers should have to foot the bill for the councils incompetence