Quick work adds up to new record

OLDHAM Council has finished its accounts at a speed that could set a new national benchmark.

The official closure and publication of final accounts for 2011-2 yesterday was a month faster than last year and three months ahead of the statutory deadline.

The council says the achievement — which could be the quickest of all local government bodies, including councils and bodies such as police, fire, transport and waste authorities — is the latest highlight of a programme that has transformed its financial fitness in the past three years.

The quick closure of accounts means key financial decisions can be taken earlier and more reliably, while mistakes are identified and corrected early. Forward planning can then be done earlier and with greater accuracy.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Cabinet member for finance, human resources and strategic partnerships, said: “This is another outstanding achievement from Oldham Council’s finance team. We think it will prove hard for other local government bodies to come close to matching this performance.”


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