Senior local government figures have been approached to give evidence as MPs consider launching an inquiry into financial distress in the sector, The MJ understands.

In the wake of Birmingham City Council becoming the latest in a slew of councils to issue section 114 notices as a result of financial distress, the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee has written to the Local Government Association and other sector organisations to invite them to talk about any issues they are facing to inform its monitoring of the growing problem.