The Public 'puts council at risk'
Crisis-hit arts centre The Public has been flagged up as one of the biggest risks to Sandwell Council by authority watchdogs.
The controversial building in West Bromwich has been placed on the authority's 'strategic risk register' after being labelled as a threat to the council's finances, reputation and the town's regeneration.
A report due before the authority's Audit Committee on Monday has revealed it has been given a threat level of 'red' with a risk score of 16 – the joint highest on the register.
The register report categorises and monitors 'risks' facing the council in delivering its objectives over the next 12 to 18 months.
A report to the committee states: "If Sandwell Council fails to secure its interest in The Public, its future management arrangements and commercial opportunities, then the council as accountable body will incur adverse impact to its financial resources, reputation and the regeneration of West Bromwich."
Other areas marked as red in the strategic risk register are the implications of the single status pay review, which also scores 16, with the report claiming it could lead to high staff turnover and low staff morale, while the delivery of the Towards 2010 health programme is given a risk score of 12.
