Council promises change in department facing investigation

COUNCIL bosses have promised "stronger governance, better financial discipline and clearer accountability" in a department facing a fraud investigation.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

The Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed earlier this year how Newcastle City Council had launched a probe into possible fraudulent activity within its transport division, with concerns about financial irregularities subsequently referred to Northumbria Police.

Local authority bosses have now published a new improvement plan for its highways service, prompted by what it called "serious concerns". Measures in the action plan, presented to the council's cabinet on Monday, include pledges to strengthen the management of overtime working with "tighter" controls, regular performance monitoring and transparent reporting to leadership teams, and the setting of "realistic" forecasts.

Council leader Karen Kilgour told colleagues that the proposals were "about us being transparent, recognising where improvements need to be made and making those improvements".