Accounts add up

Oldham Council says its accounts are expected to come in within budget for the 2010/11 financial year.

After last night’s Cabinet meeting, Councillor Lynne Thompson, finance spokesman, said there could even be a £78,000 underspend.

She added: “Work is well advanced in closing the accounts for the year end. Accurate budgeting and good management are paying dividends.

“In fact, Oldham is widely expected to be the first authority in the country to have its accounts audited, done and dusted.

“This is good as it means work can begin early on the challenging task of the 2012/13 budget. It also shows the strides Oldham’s finance service has made in the control and accuracy of the accounts throughout the year.”