Concerns raised about £452m Borderlands deal
QUESTIONS have been raised over the governance of the £452m Borderlands deal.
The deal, which was signed in March 2021, brought hundreds of millions of fresh investment into the Borderlands area consisting of Northumberland, Cumbria, the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. Projects in Northumberland include the Ad Gefrin whiskey distillery in Wooler, the Maltings Theatre regeneration in Berwick and the Lilidorei attraction at Alnwick Garden.
However, speaking at a meeting of Northumberland County Council’s audit committee, ex-council leader Peter Jackson raised concerns about the governance of the “significant” deal. Coun Jackson called for a report to be brought back to committee on what the money was being spent on.
He said: “We are the accountable body for Borderlands. I looked at the website and saw a few very cursory notes from meetings of the Borderlands Project.
“I think we should have a further and detailed report to this meeting with balance sheets for the last two to three years. Borderlands has been up and running for three years - possibly more now.”
The Conservative councillor was backed by the Independent Group’s Coun Anne Dale. She added: “We need to know where the money is being spent and what the outcomes are, we need the whole picture.”
The current leader of the council, Glen Sanderson, was unhappy with the issue being raised. He said: “I’m quite surprised to hear the comments about Borderlands. Meetings are live-streamed and in addition we publish regular reports.
“Members can contact me – I’m on the board – and I’ve had no representations from either of the members who have spoken here. It is easy to criticise, and much more difficult to make the effort to find out the facts.”
Coun Jackson responded: “All we are asking for is a report on the governance arrangements. I have no real criticism of the projects, I’m fully supportive.”