Value for money of Bexhill to Hastings Link Road raised in external audit report

Also known as the Combe Valley Way the 3.5 mile stretch of road was officially opened in December last year after several delays and rising project costs.

East Sussex County Council’s external audit plan, which sets out in more detail the work its external auditors will conduct in order to audit the authority’s 2015/16 accounts, was discussed by councillors today (Tuesday April 26).

Mike Blanch (LDem, Eastbourne - Hampden Park) expressed some confusion about the link road project’s inclusion in the audit plan as a significant value for money risk.

The KPMG report reads: “We note that we have received a formal objection from an elector regarding this scheme, in which the objector raises a concern regarding the appropriateness of the project management arrangements and approval processes within the council, and the wider value for money of the scheme.

“Approach: We will review the project management and overall approval process utilised during the year, and consider the value of the overspend on the link road project and its comparability to the authority’s other projects.”

David Elkin (Con, Eastbourne - Sovereign), ESCC’s lead member for resources, replied: “When I get the answer I will share it with you.”

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