William Eichler 09 February 2026

Worcestershire CC issues bankruptcy warning

Reform UK-run Worcestershire County Council could be forced to declare effective bankruptcy if the Government does not provide it with extra support, the council’s leader has warned.

Council leader Jo Monk reportedly described the authority’s finances as ‘a mess’ and said the council needed £71m in exceptional financial support to avoid having to issue a Section 114 notice.

Cllr Monk also said the local authority needed an answer on whether it can increase council tax by 10% from April, warning that the council was on the ‘verge of bankruptcy’.

Over the weekend, Worcestershire County Council member Cllr David Taylor announced on the BBC's Politics Midlands programme that he was resigning from Reform UK over the council's decision to seek permission to increase council tax.

To learn more about Reform UK, check out: Reform UK: What Britain’s fastest rising party stands for and Reform UK’s ‘Doge’ witch-hunts will achieve little.

#Council tax #Funding #S114 #Finance #reform party uk #Exceptional Financial Support

Analysis

10 ways councils are making budgets go further

Discover 10 ways councils are stretching budgets further, from digital transformation and energy efficiency to community partnerships and data-driven decision-making.

Opinion

Without reform, no Budget can fix local government

Joanne Pitt, CIPFA Senior Policy Manager, argues the Autumn Budget must pair funding decisions with long-term reform to secure local government’s future.

Most Popular News

PM announces £800m Pride in Place expansion

Reform council chair resigns following illegal HMO operations

Councillors urge minimum pension age hike amid cost fears

Kent DOLGE head resigns over 'lapse of judgement'

Councils targeted by pro-Russia hackers

New Products

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Director of Social Work and Social Care

£100,731 to £104,625

You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester

Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.

The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)

Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service