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

Shropshire 'a hair's breadth' from s114

By Martin Ford | 25 September 2025

Shropshire Council will have to rely on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to stave off a section 114 notice, according to a corporate peer challenge.

FINANCE

Selling the family silver

By Joe Fyans | 16 September 2025

A new approach to council asset management is needed that takes greater account of community cohesion and public service demand management, argues Joe Fyans.

FINANCE

Section 114 notice warning for Halton

By Dan Peters | 12 September 2025

Halton BC may be forced to issue a section 114 notice if the council fails to bring its spending under control, senior councillors have been warned.

FINANCE

Essex claims three unitary reorganisation would best tackle debt crisis

By Paul Marinko | 09 September 2025

Essex CC’s leadership has claimed its favoured three unitary model of reorganisation would best manage the county’s ‘heavily indebted’ local government system.

Popular articles by William Eichler