The Department for Communities and Local Government's (DCLG) refusal to disclose how many councils are receiving ‘extra attention' from Whitehall – short of an intervention – could hinder effective sector scrutiny, an influential MP has warned.

Clive Betts, chair of the CLG select committee, told The MJ that he would continue to push communities secretary Sajid Javid for details of local authorities considered at risk of an intervention due to challenges such as child protection or corruption.