Dudley Councillors Criticise Two-Year Delay in Leisure Centre Sale Report
Councillors in Dudley have voiced strong dissatisfaction over a two-year delay in the publication of a report concerning the failed sale of a former leisure centre, labelling the situation as unacceptable. During a recent meeting of the authority's Audit Committee on April 20, members were informed that they still could not access the findings of an external audit investigation into the planned sale of the building on Wellington Road.
Background of the Investigation
The council withdrew from the deal after it became public in March 2024, which prompted committee members to call for an investigation. Since then, they have been awaiting answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the failed transaction. Councillor Shaukat Ali highlighted the ongoing delays, stating, "We picked this up at the last meeting and we were given assurance that it was going to be this meeting and again now we've been told it's going to be a future meeting."
He questioned the reasons behind the hold-up, suggesting that either the council had not provided necessary information to the auditors or the auditors themselves were failing to complete their work. In response, committee chairperson Councillor Bex Collins noted that progress was being made, with the authority's monitoring officer confirming that final queries had been sent to the external auditors.
Continued Frustration and Calls for Accountability
Councillor Collins explained that a final review was underway by the external auditors, with matters being finalised ahead of the next committee meeting, which is now likely to be a standalone session. However, Councillor Ali remained unconvinced, emphasising, "We cannot give a date yet, that is unacceptable in terms of delay after delay, we should have had this some time ago."
He expressed concern that the delays might be linked to upcoming elections, urging for transparency. Adding to the criticism, Councillor Karl Denning pointed out that it had been exactly two years since the report was first requested on April 16, stating, "We all want this report and two years has been too long."
Outcome of the Leisure Centre Sale
Despite the delays in the audit report, the Wellington Road site was eventually sold in 2025 for £1.7 million. The sale marked the conclusion of a protracted process, but the lack of a comprehensive report has left councillors seeking clarity and accountability over the initial failed deal.
The ongoing situation underscores broader issues of transparency and efficiency within local government processes, as elected officials push for timely resolutions to audit inquiries that impact public trust and financial oversight.
