A national watchdog has criticised the value for money delivered on certain projects by Cheshire East Council.
A CEC meeting this afternoon heard that the external Audit Commission had pinpointed the Lyme Green fiasco – in which the council spent more than £800,000 on a waste transfer site without planning permission – as a key issue.
A report says: “A number of issues raised in the critical internal audit report on Lyme Green link directly to the weaknesses in the council's business planning and budget setting process.
“It is also clear that there are a number of important issues including compliance with the council constitution, its corresponding standing orders and financial procedure rules.”
It was acknowledged that the council had plans in place to improve these areas as well as areas of concern.
It also found numerous areas of strength, including clarity of reports and accounts.
Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council, Kim Ryley, said: “The Auditor has given an unqualified opinion on our financial statements and financial resilience.
“It must not be forgotten that this report is retrospective and the Council had already recognised those things that need to be improved. Much has already been done and detailed plans for the remaining actions will be ready in the next few weeks.
“At the October 15 Cabinet, Members will be launching a new Council Plan for the next three years. At the heart of the work being done is a commitment to openness and honesty, meeting the needs of residents, providing real value for money and protecting the sustainable future and prosperity of the borough.”
