More powers have been handed back to Rotherham Council following a report showing it has made further progress in the aftermath of the city's child abuse scandal.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid announced five functions would be restored including community safety and waste collection, leaving only social services under the control of government-appointed commissioners.
The council was stripped of its powers after an independent report into child sexual exploitation found that hundreds of girls had been sexually abused by gangs between 1997 and 2013 while police and council chiefs in the town failed to take action.
The latest report by the team of commissioners noted 'steady improvement' by the council.
Lead commissioner Mary Ney said: 'Commissioners recognise the positive commitment from elected members and officers, and will continue to support the council’s improvement as it moves closer to having its remaining powers returned.'
Rotherham Council leader Chris Read said: 'We welcome the announcement as confirmation that the council continues to be on the right track, and that we are making big strides toward the full restoration of all powers to Rotherham’s democratically elected members.'
