Improvement

• Brokenshire considering new devolution models

  James Brokenshire is considering new models of devolution as he seeks to extend further powers to local areas, the communities secretary has insisted.

  

• Northampton unitary plan falls

  The tight timeframe for reorganising local government across Northamptonshire claimed its first victim this week despite ministers’ decision to extend the consultation period.

  

• Brokenshire announces Northamptonshire commissioners

  New local government secretary James Brokenshire has today announced the two commissioners appointed to help rescue troubled Northamptonshire CC.

  

• Northants to have improvement board

  Northamptonshire CC will establish an improvement board that will work closely with government commissioners to improve the county’s finances and governance ahead of reorganisation.

  

• Essex to take lead over Barnet’s ‘inadequate’ children’s services

  Essex County Council has been appointed Barnet’s improvement partner after the latter’s children’s services were rated ‘inadequate’ by inspectors.

  

• Inspectors sent in to probe Northamptonshire Council's finances

  Local government secretary Sajid Javid has ordered a best value inspection of Conservative-led Northamptonshire CC amid continuing concerns over its financial management and corporate governance.