Local councils are at loggerheads with welfare officials over the use of European Social Fund (ESF) cash used to help Britain's ‘problem families', The MJ has learned.

Since the DCLG last year assumed responsibility for the Troubled Families Unit led by Louise Casey, councils have sought greater direct involvement in local employment and skills provision, part-funded by ESF cash – but have had little luck convincing the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).