Title

FINANCE

Warrington's £60m investment to be scrutinised behind closed doors

Details of a £60m green energy investment by Warrington Council will remain under wraps despite being called in by opposition councillors.

Details of a £60m green energy investment by Warrington Council will remain under wraps despite being called in by opposition councillors.

Senior Labour councillors have given the go-ahead to proceed with a £63.5m ‘ethical investment' in a solar farm in Doncaster, to be funded by borrowing.

Warrington said it has taken advice from experts including EY and carried out due diligence, but details have remained confidential.

Conservative councillors have labelled the investment ‘highly risky' and called in the decision.

They have voiced frustration that a scrutiny meeting later this week where the investment will be discussed is expected to be held behind closed doors.

Opposition leader Nigel Balding said: ‘This gamble equates to £600 per household in Warrington or approximately 58% of the council tax raised in any one year.

'Anything like this can have a massive and long-lasting impact on Warrington residents.'

Last week it was revealed Warrington had budgeted for an £18m loss from its investment in failed energy firm Together Energy.

FINANCE

Adding up the price of local government interventions

By Dan Peters | 30 October 2025

As more councils in intervention increases, the price tag for commissioners is skyrocketing. Dan Peters crunches the numbers and commissioner Gavin Jones exp...

FINANCE

Coaching the public sector's future

By Rebecca Davis | 30 October 2025

Rebecca Davis explains why every leader needs time to think – and how structured, high-quality coaching is already having an impact across the West Midlands.

FINANCE

Balancing UK industrial strategy with Local Growth Plans

By Paige Portal | 27 October 2025

Paige Portal looks at whether local government can balance the Industrial Strategy’s national priorities with their own regional strengths and distinct needs.

FINANCE

Unpicking the Spelthorne strategy

By Heather Jameson | 23 October 2025

As the decision on reorganisation in Surrey is delayed, Spelthorne BC chief executive Daniel Mouawad says forcing the sale of council assets at the wrong tim...

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford