Plymouth appoints new Finance Officer

David Northey takes on new role

Plymouth City Council has appointed an interim officer to be responsible for the authority’s finances. 

David Northey will become the new interim ‘section 151 officer’ taking over from Brendan Arnold who recently retired. 

A former student of Sutton High School for Boys in Plymouth and a qualified accountant, Mr Northey has worked with the city council for 13 years.

He is currently the authority’s interim assistant director for finance. 

The ruling Conservatives and the Labour group both welcomed Mr Northey’s appointment.

He takes on the role as the council struggles to manage an unprecedented overspend.

In early September, a potential overspend of £13.6 million was revealed, which Conservative council for Budshead and cabinet member for finance and economy Mark Shayer said was “caused in large part by national issues beyond our control which are impacting all councils across the country.”

Labour said essential services in Plymouth face a “grim” future as the Tory council revealed it is facing budget pressures. 

Among the additional costs are electricity bills increasing from £1.3 million to £2.7 million, an increase in street lighting costs of £1.1 million and a forecasted increase in gas bills for buildings, including the crematoria, from £334,000 to £984,000.

In welcoming news of Mr Northey’s new job, council leader and member for Southway Richard Bingley said: “We had a chief officer appointments panel this morning from that it was a unanimous, very positive decision. 

“We are absolutely delighted to propose David Northey as the interim section 151 officer, head of finance for Plymouth City Council.”

Labour leader and councillor for Ham, Tudor Evans, suggested Mr Northey was pursuing the role with some personal sacrifice. 

“We thank Mr Northey for giving up his retirement to help us out,” he said.

“To be honest with you, it’s not the easiest gig at this particular moment in time, but we had a great interview with David this morning and he’ll be a very, very capable section 151 officer for the remaining time.”

Mr Northey takes up his role immediately.