Mark Conrad 27 March 2018

Javid plans intervention into crisis-hit Northants

Local government secretary Sajid Javid has bowed to the inevitable and outlined plans for commissioners to run Northamptonshire CC amid concerns over the county’s sustainability.

Mr Javid announced wide-ranging intervention proposals for Northamptonshire on 27 March, less than two weeks after independent reviewer Max Caller filed a highly critical Best Value inspection report on the county’s governance and finances.

The secretary of state has said he will listen to any opposition to the plans, but added he is ‘minded’ to proceed with heavy intervention.

He also invited proposals to reorganise local government across the county.

On 27 March, Mr Javid told Parliament that Mr Caller’s review had presented a ‘compelling’ case for overhauling Northamptonshire because it had ‘identified multiple apparent failures’ to comply with local government’s Best Value duties – and added that the county had no credible plan to improve.

Despite the severity of budget cuts suffered by Northampton since public austerity began, Mr Javid said the council’s woes ‘are not down to a lack of funding, or because it is being treated unfairly or is uniquely disadvantaged’.

‘I am therefore minded to appoint commissioners to oversee the authority. From day one, I propose they take direct control over the council’s financial management and overall governance. I also propose giving them reserve powers to act as they see fit across the entirety of the authority’s functions,’ he told the House of Commons.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire CC said: 'We welcome this announcement and the clarification of the views of the secretary of state and the potential direction of travel for Northamptonshire. We view this as an opportunity for a fresh start in our working relationship with the government and the county’s MPs.

'We also welcome the invitation for submissions for unitary governance in the county. We have long maintained that this county needs a reorganisation of local government and we see today’s invitation for submissions as a further opportunity for us to work alongside our district and borough colleagues to find the best solutions for the county.'

Rob Whiteman, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, said: 'It is right for the government to act to ensure there is financial leadership of Northamptonshire CC and also to call for local proposals on the future of the authority.

'Whatever the decision on the shape the reforms take, it is crucial that we learn the principle lessons from the county council’s failure.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner