Title

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Government intervention inquiry launched

An inquiry into the government interventions at Tower Hamlets LBC and Rotherham MBC has been launched.

An inquiry into the government interventions at Tower Hamlets LBC and Rotherham MBC has been launched.

The communities and local government will investigate how effective the government takeovers were following allegations of corruption in Tower Hamlets and the child sexual exploitation scandal in Rotherham.

It will examine how power was handed back to the local authorities and what lessons can be identified for future interventions.

Chair of the committee, Clive Betts, said: ‘Seizing control of a local authority's powers is an extremely serious step for any government to take.

‘We will look very carefully to see if this has been done effectively in Tower Hamlets and Rotherham, and explore the efforts being made to return democratic control to the two communities.'

The committee will question commissioners and councillors at both councils, and has also invited written submissions.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Devolution: A new era for local government

By Andrew Carter | 13 August 2026

Fiscal devolution promises greater local control, stronger institutions and new opportunities to drive growth, says Andrew Carter.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

How to turn one council pound into many

By Dawn Bébe | 13 August 2026

Dawn Bébe looks at how councils can stretch limited funding, unlock community investment and strengthen community resilience.

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Turning delay into delivery

By Ann McGauran | 12 August 2026

Hampshire and the Solent Combined County Authority was born amid a two-year delay to the mayoral elections and a furore over local government reorganisation,...

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Tourism costs

By Ann McGauran | 12 August 2026

Bath is a tourism destination delivering an ambitious programme of commercial regeneration. But it is calling for more support from government above and beyo...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman