Secretary of State set to send commissioners in to Northamptonshire
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid, has said he is “minded to” appoint Commissioners to oversee financially-troubled Northamptonshire County Council, using his powers under section 15 of the Local Government Act 1999.
The minister has also called on the various councils in the area to submit proposals for local government restructuring.
The move follows a damning report earlier this month from Max Caller, the inspector appointed by Javid to examine the county's financial difficulties, who found that the local authority had failed to comply with its duty to provide best value.
Caller suggested that Northamptonshire be split into two new unitaries to provide “a new start” but this proposed model initially met with a lukewarm response from the district and borough councils in the area.
In a statement to the House of Commons, Javid described Caller’s findings as “extremely serious” and requiring decisive action.
On the possible appointment of commissioners, he said: “From day 1, I propose that they take direct control over the council’s financial management and overall governance. Getting these basics right must be the first step in stabilising this authority.
“I also propose giving them reserved powers to act as they see fit across the entirety of the authority’s functions if they consider that they must step in.”
Northamptonshire and other local authorities in the area will now be able to make representations on Javid’s proposal, which the Secretary of State said he would consider carefully before reaching a final decision.
In relation to local government restructuring, the minister has also invited the county and other councils to submit proposals.
“I would like those councils to think about what is right for their community and the people they serve and to come forward with proposals. It is clear to me that any proposals from the councils should seek to meet the criteria for local government restructuring that I have previously shared with the House,” he said.
“Namely, that proposals should:
- improve local government
- be based on a credible geography, and
- command a good deal of local support.”
Javid said he would be particularly interested in hearing how the councils have consulted with their communities “to ensure that Northamptonshire’s future is truly locally-led”.
