Hartlepool's council finances ‘well positioned in difficult circumstances’, according to experts

The verdict came from officers from Mazars, a global audit and accounting group, who updated councillors on the measures they use to judge the council’s accounts and financial position.

Gavin Barker, from Mazars, noted financial pressures on the council have ‘eased somewhat’ from previous years, but added it will continue to face difficult circumstances.

He added the council ‘has managed its finances effectively’ in recent years and continues to do so.

Speaking at the Hartlepool Borough Council Audit and Governance Committee, he was responding to a question from chair Coun Ged Hall on the position Hartlepool finds itself in financially going forward.

Mr Barker said: “We know the council has faced financial pressures, as all local government has over a number of years.

“The position seems to have eased somewhat in 2020/21 but it’s still difficult for the council to balance its budget and there are uncertainties about the future.

“I think the council has managed its finances effectively, it’s faced a very challenging position over a number of years.

“It has managed and continues to manage its position effectively.”

He added the uncertainties the council face stem from government issuing a one year financial settlement for 2020/21, meaning councils are not certain of funding they will receive for future years.

He: “It [the council] can manage through 2020/21 which is where funding is known for the immediate year, but so much depends on what happens in the comprehensive spending review and what happens for your financial settlement going forward.

“It’s very difficult for a local authority with all the services it provides to manage on the basis of a one year financial settlement.

“It does need that medium term view of knowing what its funding is going to be for the next three or four years so that it can plan effectively for the future.

“Until that’s known it’s very difficult but I think the council is well positioned.

“I wouldn’t want to underestimate those difficult circumstances, but well positioned in difficult circumstances to take things forward.”