Financial report supports Havant ending partnership

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy has assessed that Havant Borough Council could have the financial resources available to separate from East Hampshire District Council.

Assessing what Havant Borough Council must do in order to be financially sustainable as a stand-alone council, the report states that the council could have the financial resources available to go it alone but highlights a number of risks that must be mitigated. It recommends several actions Havant Borough Council can take to secure its financial position as an independent council.

Havant Borough Council began a partnership with East Hampshire District Council in 2009 which saw a shared chief executive, joint management team and various shared services. In January it announced it was looking to end the 12-year partnership and set up its own management team.

 Alex Rennie, leader of the council, said: “The CIPFA report shows us what we need to do to remain financially sustainable as a stand-alone council. We will need to be diligent and responsible in how we execute our separation from EHDC but I am confident we can do this successfully and that we can look forward to an exciting new future.

“As an independent council we will be free to pursue our own objectives and explore new opportunities that are currently closed to us. We know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but this is the right move for Havant Borough Council and our residents.”