12/06/2026
Cambourne Town Council has published further documents relating to historic governance and financial matters following the completion of an independent review commissioned in May 2025 and can be read by following this link-https://www.cambournetowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/115/2026/06/Binder1.pdf
Statement:
In May 2025, the Council commissioned an independent review of its financial controls, procedures and record-keeping arrangements following concerns regarding historic governance practices and the management of certain financial matters. The review has now concluded, and a summary of the findings has been made available.
The review identified several historic weaknesses in financial controls, record keeping and reporting arrangements. Including issues related to the management and monitoring of earmarked funds, developer contributions, income collection processes and other financial procedures. The report also highlighted concerns regarding the transparency of certain historic payroll and financial management practices.
The Council notes that certain matters identified through the review have been referred to the appropriate authorities and remain subject to an ongoing criminal investigation. As these matters are currently under investigation, the Council is unable to comment further on specific allegations or individuals at this time. The Council will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities.
Importantly, the review found that significant progress has been made over the past year. New systems and procedures have been introduced, historic records have been reviewed, and substantial work has been undertaken by both Members and Officers to strengthen governance and improve financial oversight. The independent review concluded that the Council's systems and processes are now significantly improved.
As part of these improvements, the Council has introduced strengthened payroll controls and segregation of duties. Payroll processing is now subject to multiple independent checks. The Responsible Financial Officer reviews and recommends payroll for payment, the Chair of the HR Committee undertakes a separate review and approval process, and the Proper Officer carries out independent pension verification checks before payments are processed. These measures provide additional safeguards and oversight in relation to payroll administration.
The Council has also implemented enhanced financial reporting arrangements, strengthened monitoring of earmarked reserves and developer contributions, improved income collection procedures, and increased Member oversight of financial matters.
The review also identified significant concerns regarding the historic management of the Council's Solar Feed-in Tariff (FIT) income and associated records. As a result, the Council is undertaking a detailed review of the limited records available in relation to the solar installations and associated income streams.
The Council has been in contact with Ofgem and other relevant organisations to establish the current status of the installations, verify payment arrangements and determine what steps may be available to recover historic income streams or restore future payments where appropriate. This work is complex and involves multiple installations, historical agreements and several third-party organisations.
Not all organisations identified through the review have yet been contacted. However, the Council's newly appointed Project Officer has been delegated responsibility for progressing this work and has already made significant progress in establishing the status of a number of installations and associated agreements.
Given the ongoing enquiries, together with the criminal investigation referred to elsewhere in this statement, it would be inappropriate and potentially prejudicial for the Council to comment further at this stage.
Further updates will be provided as and when it is appropriate to do so.
Councillor Kevin McIntyre, Chair of Cambourne Town Council, said:
"The findings of the review have provided valuable insight into historic governance arrangements and highlighted areas where improvements were required. Whilst the report identifies significant historic weaknesses, it also recognises the substantial progress that has been made over the last year. Members and Officers have worked diligently to strengthen the Council's governance framework, improve transparency and ensure robust safeguards are in place for the management of public funds.
We remain committed to openness and accountability; we will continue to implement improvements where necessary whilst fully supporting any ongoing investigations."
The Council would like to thank residents, Members and Officers for their continued support as these improvements are made. Cambourne Town Council remains focused on delivering services, strengthening governance and ensuring that the Council is well positioned to meet the needs of the community both now and in the future.
