Laura Sharman 19 January 2022

Minister ‘minded’ to intervene at Sandwell Council

Minister ‘minded’ to intervene at Sandwell Council image
Image: Philip Halling / Geograph

The Government is considering sending in commissions into Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council due to its failure to ‘resolve a variety of governance issues.’

Minister for equalities and levelling up communities, Kemi Badenoch, said the council has faced allegations of ‘serious misconduct’ by both members and officers.

She highlighted the fact the council has had six different leaders in six years and three chief executives over the past three years, warning this has led to a ‘breakdown in trust, respect and confidence’.

An audit report last year found a ‘troubling picture of mismanagement’ and an ineffective approach to budget monitoring and budget setting.

The Government is now considering sending in commissioners to oversee its governance and scrutiny of strategic decision making for two years.

In a statement Ms Badenoch said: ‘I recognise that it is unprecedented to propose an intervention without a best value inspection or a government review. However, I have considered this report carefully and the evidence contained within it satisfies me that there is no need for an additional Best Value Inspection. Instead, I believe what is needed now is support for a council at the beginning of a fragile journey of recovery.

’Expressed in formal terms, the secretary of state is satisfied that Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is failing to comply with its best value duty and he is considering exercising his powers of intervention to secure compliance with that duty.’

The Government has invited representations from the council on the report and the proposals by 11 February.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Traffic Management Technician - WMF3040e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Are you an organised and motivated individual who wants to make a difference to how our roads are managed? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Technical Assistant - Place Services

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Technical Assistant - Place ServicesPermanent, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker Link Role (Family Solutions)

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum
Family Worker Link Role (Family Solutions)Fixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Registration Service Training & Development Specialist

Essex County Council
£26725.00 - £31441.00 per annum
Registration Service Training & Development SpecialistSecondment, Full Time£26,725 to £31,441 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Family Worker Family Solutions - Link Role

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker Family Solutions - Link RolePermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner