Local authorities constantly need to manage a delicate balancing act, so as to provide effective services and meet the expectations of their communities, make effective use of their resources, comply with all their legal obligations and generally act as reasonable authorities. This can be particularly challenging when resources are tight or demands for services are high.

  When they get the balance right, local authorities can operate efficiently and achieve excellent results but the consequences of getting it wrong can be serious and far-reaching.  Rotherham Council is an example of a local authority whose difficulties led to Government intervention in the past but the Government has recently announced the end of the intervention, following the progress made by the Council.