Financial programme for council staff

LOCAL councillors and council staff are to be given training in financial management to improve the smooth running of local government.

The measure is recommended in a new report which also suggests a three-year rolling expenditure programme to be introduced in each council to complement the existing annual budgetary process.

Local authorities throughout Ireland currently spend about €9.5 million in a year and a new costing system is being introduced to help with financial management at council level.