Amsterdam finances seriously mismanaged: city report

The financial management of the municipality of Amsterdam is not in order and must be reorganized. That is the conclusion a quick scan at the civil service Resources and Control of the municipality. Their final report came out today and will be sent to the municipality. The service is responsible for the preparation of the budget and finances. The final report concludes that the municipality of Amsterdam's financial management lacks leadership, are working from an 'ivory tower', works only on a short term agenda and has a flawed and outdated automation. It also states that appointments are not always binding and orders are more likely to be ignored that performed. Late last year the municipal tax office cam into disrepute when it accidentally paid out 188 million euro in living expenses contribution to more than 9 thousand people, while it should have been a total of 1.8 million euro. A preliminary analysis earlier this year at the Resources and Control showed that the service is not functioning adequately. An independent investigation was then ordered. The leadership of the service was already replaced last year, but the researchers say that many adjustments are needed. The council will debate the problems with the Amsterdam financial management on December 11th.