The Government has refused to disclose how it is responding to long-standing issues at Thanet DC following a request to intervene from its leader.
Council leader Ash Ashbee asked new secretary of state Michael Gove to intervene to sort out governance issues at Thanet in September.
Claims about a failure in corporate governance and a breakdown of good governance are understood to have been raised with the Government 20 months ago, when the then secretary of state Robert Jenrick was asked to intervene and told he should be ‘deeply concerned about bad corporate governance’ at the authority.
The Local Government Association is also understood to have been made aware of governance issues at Thanet at the same time.
It said it was in ‘regular discussions with the council about ongoing issues and we will provide them with the support they request and need going forward’.
Conservative MP for South Thanet, Craig Mackinlay, said the issues raised in March 2020 were ‘extremely serious’.
A Government spokesperson said last year there was ‘no legal mechanism’ for it to investigate but has declined to comment further.
Independent external auditor Grant Thornton, which was also informed at the same time, raised concerns with the council privately in July 2021 and issued Thanet with a rare Section 24 last month, when it highlighted ‘serious concerns about the ability of senior officers to work together’ in a damning public report.
Director at Grant Thornton, Sarah Ironmonger, told an extraordinary council meeting last week: ‘The situation at Thanet does not represent good governance.
'We consider urgent action is needed to stabilise the situation and rebuild trust in the council from a residents’, officers’ and members’ perspective.’
Green Party councillor Rebecca Wing said Grant Thornton’s report had been a ‘harrowing read,’ adding: ‘There was clearly no real effort or attempt made to address the serious issues.
'Indeed, they were allowed to escalate instead of taking action.
‘I cannot help but be shocked by the staggering amount of council taxpayers’ money that’s been wasted as a direct consequence of both the longevity and failure to act decisively and effectively according to repeated external warnings.
'Things have to change.’