AN independent review has backed the current financial arrangements at the Opera House – 18 months after a lack of funds forced its closure.

The Comptroller and Auditor General Chris Swinson has backed the way the Opera House’s finances are run, but has made nine recommendations for improvements. Jersey Opera House Ltd chairman Christopher Lakeman has accepted the report, which he describes as helpful, and says some of the recommendations have already been put in place. The recommendations include reviewing the outstanding loan from the States, setting up a code of conduct for the board and clarifying the relationship between the board, the Education Department and the Jersey Arts Trust. In February 2005 the Opera House was forced to close its doors after running out of money. It had been forced to spend part of the following year’s budget after running into financial difficulties, but the finances were eventually returned to an even keel after public donations and pledges worth £61,000 were made.