AN external audit of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council’s accounts has been put on hold while auditors consider correspondence from residents raising concerns about its financial records and spending.
Independent Warrington Borough Councillor Neil Johnson, who also sits on the parish council, has said he is “extremely concerned” about the issues raised, which relate to the parish council’s 2025/26 accounts and potentially earlier financial years.
External auditors PKF Littlejohn have confirmed they are unable to complete the audit at this stage because they have received correspondence from local residents.
The correspondence raises concerns about possible unlawful expenditure, the maintenance of accounting records, compliance with proper practices and alleged misconduct resulting in financial loss or deficiency.
The concerns are now subject to the auditors’ review. No findings of wrongdoing have been established.
Cllr Johnson said objections to the accounts included questions about whether payments had been made without the usual safeguards, as well as alleged gaps in minutes, contracts, service agreements, quotations and tendering procedures.
He also raised concerns about the completeness of the council’s financial records, including alleged incorrectly coded entries, missing invoices and the redaction of documents during the public inspection period.
Among the more serious allegations is a claim that files and documents were removed during the public inspection period and subsequently returned in an altered form.
Cllr Johnson also referred to an alleged payment to a family member of a parish councillor, which he said may not have received minuted approval or been accompanied by a declaration.
These matters have been raised as concerns and allegations and have not been established as facts.
Cllr Johnson said he had written to PKF Littlejohn to express his concerns and offer support during the review.
He added: “This is, after all, public money. You have a right to transparency and openness and that is what I am committed to offering.”
Cllr Johnson also drew comparisons with the financial difficulties experienced by Warrington Borough Council, criticising what he describes as a “Labour/Conservative coalition” running the parish council.
After being contacted by Warrington Worldwide, Parish council chair Alicia Edwards confirmed the authority was aware of the concerns referred to the external auditors.
She said: “The Parish Council is aware that concerns about the 2025/26 accounts have been referred to the external auditors, who will consider them as part of their review.
“At this stage, these remain allegations and are not established findings. It would not be appropriate to comment on individual claims while the review is ongoing.”
The review comes after a difficult period for Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council, which has faced criticism over the conduct of meetings and the departure of three clerks in as many years.
The external auditors’ consideration of the correspondence will determine how the concerns are dealt with as part of the accounts process.
