Government prepares to run council after series of scandals
Commissioners could be sent in to troubled authority after ‘failures’
THE government is ready to intervene in the running of Sandwell Council which it said was ‘deteriorating’ after ‘significant and systematic failure’.
It follows a scathing report by Grant Thornton which uncovered multiple serious failings by the council in complying with its duties.
The report painted a ‘deeply troubling’ picture of mismanagement, a significant breakdown in trust across the authority, and of ineffective scrutiny and accountability arrangements.
It made 45 wide-ranging recommendations, three of which are statutory recommendations.
Kemi Badenoch, minister of state at the department for levelling up, housing and communities, said she wa ‘minded to intervene’
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by sending in commissioners to oversee improvements over two years. They will report to the Secretary of State every six months if sent in. The Commissioners will also appoint a permanent chief executive officer within 18 months.
Sandwell council has been invited to make representation by February 11, before a final decision whether to appoint commissioners is made.
A sitting Labour councillor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The problem we have here is the breakdown in officer relationships. We as councillors want to do well for our communities. We care for people, that’s why we got involved in local government in the first place.
“Unfortunately, we have officers in Sandwell who are making our lives very difficult, and who are letting residents concerns slip
through the cracks. Our arms are twisted.”
According to Ms Badenoch, the Grant Thornton recommendations provide “evidence of significant and systemic best value failure”.
She said: “The report provides a picture of the authority of the utmost seriousness.
“The starting point is the evidence, as set out in the report, that a breakdown in trust, respect and confidence between those holding governance roles at the authority
over a number of years has significantly limited the authority’s ability to look forward and manage the challenges and opportunities it faces.”
Addressing the Commons, she said: “Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council has struggled for many years to resolve a variety of governance issues, including allegations of serious misconduct by both members and officers.
“The council has had six different leaders in six years and three chief executives over the past three years. This instability has led to a breakdown in trust, respect and confidence between those holding governance roles at the council.
“I believe that on balance and in these particular circumstances the risk of government inaction in the face of evidence of best value failure is too great. Historically, the council have been slow to improve.”
Unfortunately, we have officers in Sandwell who are making our lives very difficult Sandwell councillor