Cheshire East’s finance director resigning come May.

TLDR:

• Cheshire East Council’s director of finance, Alex Thompson, is leaving in May to take up a new role at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.
• Thompson raised concerns about the council’s financial reserves and overspending before his departure.

The director of finance at Cheshire East Council, Alex Thompson, is set to leave the authority in May to pursue a new role at Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. Thompson, who has been with the council since 2009, expressed his dissatisfaction with the level of reserves available to support the council’s budget. He warned of an overspend of £13 million in the current financial year while reserves amounted to £14.1 million.

Before departing, Thompson will oversee the appointment of an interim chief financial officer at Cheshire East Council. The council’s chief executive, Rob Polkinghorne, praised Thompson’s dedication and commitment to the budget-setting process. Thompson himself expressed pride in the council’s achievements and thanked his colleagues for their support.

The council faces the task of addressing overspending trends highlighted by Thompson and ensuring the adequacy of its reserves moving forward. Additionally, a new deputy leader will be appointed at the upcoming meeting, following the announcement of current leader Craig Browne’s plan to step down from his role.

Thompson’s departure underscores the financial pressures facing Cheshire East Council and the importance of effective financial management in local government operations.