Our Conservative run council dubbed the “worst-run in the country” is under investigation over allegations it used millions of pounds ring-fenced for public health to prop up other services. The BBC is reporting that Northamptonshire County Council is in talks with Public Health England about the possible “claw-back” of up to £10m.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader at South Northants Council, Councillor Chris Lofts says: “Bad news about the Conservatives disastrous approach to running NCC’s budget and our local services just keeps on coming. Having made massive cuts to services and yet still failing to balance their books, NCC may now have to pay back up to £10m in miss-used funds. It’s difficult to see how the Tories can avoid yet deeper cuts to its services in the near future.”

Liberal Democrat Councillor Martin Johns adds: “Government has already sent an inspector to investigate the Conservatives poor management of its finances and services. There is likely be very bad news for local residents to come, with the most vulnerable including the elderly in our community suffering the most.”