Parish councillor and the RFO

Question

Can a parish councillor also be the Responsible Financial officer (RFO) legally?

Thank you

Answer 1

Yes, but they cannot receive any payment for the work while they are a councillor or for twelve months afterwards.

Generally, this should be avoided except as a temporary expedient. Councils are also expected to hold regular councillor checks on financial records, and that would plainly have to be different councillors from the one acting as RFO. In addition, the council must appoint an independent internal auditor to carry out an investigation each year. No specific qualifications are required, but an internal auditor should be familiar with local council procedures and the legal framework, as well as having an understanding of financial matters.

Comments

Thank you . Our PC doesn't seem to care as long as the chair has his 'buddies' around him so they are doing what they want. Getting a fair share of complaints but.....

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If there is evidence of improper handling of financial decisions or their recording, it should be reported to the external auditors.

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no there isn't but the chair vice chair and a couple of his buddies just dictate and no one appears to know what is going on. A mess really, 'but who to turn to' without compromising friends on the PC?
But thanks for the replies, it is reassuring but at the same time frustrating