Title

FINANCE

Call for council to pull out of loss-making bank

A bank part-owned by Warrington Council has made a loss, according to its latest accounts.

A bank part-owned by Warrington Council has made a loss, according to its latest accounts.

Accounts published last week revealed Redwood Bank made a loss of £1.7m during 2020, an increase on losses of £1.2m recorded the previous year.

Warrington has a 33% stake in Redwood, having paid out £30m since 2017.

It invested a further £2m this year in line with Redwood directors' expectation in the 2020 accounts that funding from investors would be required to ‘fulfil its full potential'.

Following an objection from a member of the public regarding Warrington's initial investment in Redwood, external auditors found ‘no clear evidence' that it was unlawful.

However, opposition councillors have called for the authority to end its involvement.

Conservative councillor Ken Critchley said: ‘Further losses at Redwood Bank only reinforce the need for the council to exit this poorly performing investment.'

FINANCE

The National Housing Bank: Will it help councils build?

By Jack Shaw | 21 November 2025

The question of whether the National Housing Bank becomes a central plank of housebuilding and renewal or a missed opportunity will depend on the choices the...

FINANCE

The £8bn opportunity sitting in council bank accounts

By Mark Shearer | 01 September 2025

Mark Shearer says having billions of pounds in unspent Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds locked away is a luxury we can’t afford and ...

FINANCE

Thurrock Council seeks 'justice' following alleged fraud

By Izzy Lepone | 04 June 2025

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched an investigation into Rockfire Investment Finance following fraud allegations made by Thurrock Council.

FINANCE

Call for Warrington officers' resignations

By Martin Ford | 23 May 2025

Conservatives in Warrington have called for senior officers to resign following the announcement of Government intervention at the council.

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford