The financial state of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has been highlighted in an expert review by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

The review has uncovered the financial strain that the council is under, mainly due to the financial situation inherited by the new administration last year.

This has been compounded by accounting inaccuracies amounting to £16 million.

The findings have led to the formulation of a challenging recovery plan, which will be considered by the council's cabinet on October 30.

The review details that unless stringent measures are taken, along with additional government support, the council faces effective bankruptcy.

Despite the council's efforts and actions over the past 18 months to control the financial situation, the lack of reserves remains a major issue.

This is a result of historical decisions, including unsustainably low council tax.

The council's inability to meet the rising demand for services, particularly social care and homelessness accommodation, further exacerbates the situation.

The report makes it clear that the council needs a substantial financial support package from the government, alongside a council tax rise above the current cap, in order to set a balanced budget next year.

The cabinet will consider the review recommendations alongside the council’s response, detailed in a draft Financial Improvement and Sustainability Plan.

The plan sets out actions and decisions needed on priorities, services, assets, and income generation.

Council leader Cllr Simon Werner said: "The report is clear that, despite all the work that has been done to tackle this largely inherited financial situation, the council will need substantial support from government to avoid effective bankruptcy in the short term.

"Our comprehensive and challenging plan shows the clear action we are already taking and will take, to address the issues and deliver sustainability."

Cabinet member for finance, Cllr Lynne Jones, said: "This report confirms that past decisions were irresponsible and disastrous for the council’s finances – years of cutting council tax alone costs the council £30m a year, which has impacted on our ability to deliver key services to residents.

"This is why, alongside essential support from government, we also need them to consider raising the council tax cap – to allow us to rectify historical issues and, like many other authorities, meet the challenges of the rising demand on services currently outstripping government funding."

The cabinet will consider both the CIPFA resilience review and the council’s Financial Improvement and Sustainability Plan.

If agreed, the plan will also be presented to the full council for consideration and approval in November.