Council could face £1,100 per day advisers bill

Warrington Council said there were "significant costs" linked with government inspectors' recommendations

Warrington Council could face a £363,000 bill if the government ultimately decides to send special advisers to the town following concerns about the way it is run.

An inspection was ordered by the previous Conservative government after criticism of the council's £1.8bn debts, which mostly relate to its commercial investments.

The inspectors' report found Warrington was failing in five areas, including leadership, culture and use of resources.

The council said advisers, known as ministerial envoys, could cost £1,100 a day plus expenses.

In May, Warrington Council said it welcomed the idea of ministerial envoys being appointed.

"This is a supportive decision and will help us to deliver the changes needed," it said.

However, a report written for a full council meeting later said there would be "significant costs" associated with implementing the recommended reforms.

For example, hiring a new executive director and an independent chair for the council's audit and governance committee would cost the local authority an estimated £196,710.

The inspection report said there was "resistance" in the council's response to external challenges and that the inspectors were not confident that town hall bosses had the "will and capacity" to make changes without external leadership.

It also found a lack of strategic direction, councillors being "highly respectful" of powerful officers, and a "defensiveness to internal and external scrutiny".

If the government decides to send three envoys to the town for the proposed five-year period, they would mainly advise the council, which would remain in day-to-day charge.

Ultimately, though, the envoys could step in and take over "as a last resort".