Title

FINANCE

Public inquiry into Thurrock's financial failure rejected

The Government has rejected a request for a public inquiry into Thurrock Council’s financial failure and levels of debt.

The Government has rejected a request for a public inquiry into Thurrock Council's financial failure and levels of debt.

Thurrock members wrote to local government secretary Michael Gove on behalf of more than 1,500 residents who had called for a public inquiry into the local authority's financial issues.

But local government minister Simon Hoare said a public inquiry would not ‘provide further understanding into the historical failings or management of the council that is not being achieved through statutory intervention'.

Thurrock has been subject to Government intervention since issuing a section 114 notice in December 2022 after accruing debts of £1.3bn.

FINANCE

Bringing dynamism into devolution

By Mike Emmerich | 08 July 2026

Mike Emmerich introduces his new review focused on building growth-capable strategic authorities and sets out why institutional capacity is now the defining ...

FINANCE

Rethinking councillor pay for stronger democracy

By Dr Jason Lowther | 07 July 2026

New evidence urges fairer councillor remuneration to strengthen participation, diversity, governance and effective local democratic leadership, says Jason Lo...

FINANCE

Former councillor rages at lack of accountability for Brum failures

By Joe Lepper | 15 June 2026

Senior officers and commissioners at Birmingham City Council should be held to account for their ‘failures’ at the under-intervention local authority, accord...

FINANCE

Lessons from Swansea: A collaborative approach to addressing poverty stigma

By Amanda Hill-Dixon | 11 June 2026

Amanda Hill-Dixon sets out evidence-informed actions for councils to reduce poverty stigma through universal services, dignified support, inclusive communica...

Popular articles by William Eichler