Title

FINANCE

Warrington's £60m investment to be scrutinised behind closed doors

Details of a £60m green energy investment by Warrington Council will remain under wraps despite being called in by opposition councillors.

Details of a £60m green energy investment by Warrington Council will remain under wraps despite being called in by opposition councillors.

Senior Labour councillors have given the go-ahead to proceed with a £63.5m ‘ethical investment' in a solar farm in Doncaster, to be funded by borrowing.

Warrington said it has taken advice from experts including EY and carried out due diligence, but details have remained confidential.

Conservative councillors have labelled the investment ‘highly risky' and called in the decision.

They have voiced frustration that a scrutiny meeting later this week where the investment will be discussed is expected to be held behind closed doors.

Opposition leader Nigel Balding said: ‘This gamble equates to £600 per household in Warrington or approximately 58% of the council tax raised in any one year.

'Anything like this can have a massive and long-lasting impact on Warrington residents.'

Last week it was revealed Warrington had budgeted for an £18m loss from its investment in failed energy firm Together Energy.

FINANCE

The problem with housing: Viability

By Heather Jameson | 17 July 2026

Uncertainty, viability and devolution: local authorities face a collection of hurdles and opportunities when it comes to delivering much-needed housing. The ...

FINANCE

Expanded cities the winners in reorganisation plans

By Paul Marinko | 16 July 2026

The Government has backed expanded city authorities across the country with its announcement on local government reorganisation for remaining two tier areas.

FINANCE

How can we make neighbourhood health work?

By Lee Peart | 10 July 2026

Healthcare leaders discussed local and national levers needed to scale and sustain healthy neighbourhoods at the LGA Conference and Exhibition in Bournemouth...

FINANCE

Councils risk becoming housing enforcement 'paper tiger'

By Martin Ford | 09 July 2026

English councils are at risk of becoming a ‘paper tiger’ in enforcing housing standards, the Government has been warned.

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford