Borough Life Winter 2006: Finance watchdog seeks new lay members
The team that makes sure the council manages its affairs as effectively as possible is looking for three members of the public to join its ranks.
The Audit, Governance and Improvement Review committee examines the council’s accounts to make sure public money is spent wisely and properly accounted for.
Committee chairman, Cllr Michael Winstanley, says independent members will have an important role in building public confidence that the council is well run.
“Council officers are required to explain to us how they are managing their services and what improvements are being made so we can be confident that taxpayers’ money is used as efficiently as possible.
“We’re not here to rubber stamp decisions. The involvement of independent local people will help to make us more effective and provide an important outside perspective.
“Skills or experience of finance or accounting are valuable, but equally important is the ability to ask challenging questions and probe complex issues.”
You’ll be asked to attend six evening meetings a year and will receive an annual allowance of £990 plus travel expenses, training and support.
If you are interested, please contact Jayne Pilkington for more details on 01942 827235, or email j.pilkington@wigan.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role you can speak to finance director David Smith, 01942 827232.