Title

FINANCE

Public inquiry into Thurrock's financial failure rejected

The Government has rejected a request for a public inquiry into Thurrock Council’s financial failure and levels of debt.

The Government has rejected a request for a public inquiry into Thurrock Council's financial failure and levels of debt.

Thurrock members wrote to local government secretary Michael Gove on behalf of more than 1,500 residents who had called for a public inquiry into the local authority's financial issues.

But local government minister Simon Hoare said a public inquiry would not ‘provide further understanding into the historical failings or management of the council that is not being achieved through statutory intervention'.

Thurrock has been subject to Government intervention since issuing a section 114 notice in December 2022 after accruing debts of £1.3bn.

FINANCE

The art of the deal

By Cllr Stephen Alambritis | 12 February 2026

Stephen Alambritis says local authorities need to think commercially to thrive – and he explains what one London council’s £186m deal proves.

FINANCE

Reaping the benefits of collaboration on technology and innovation piece by piece

By Eddie Copeland | 11 February 2026

There is a powerful logic to making intelligent use of data, technology and a wide range of transformation methods at a regional level through models such as...

FINANCE

Bedford to get Best Value Inspection and Spelthorne with work to do

By Paul Marinko | 11 February 2026

Bedford BC is to undergo a best value inspection, while government commissioners at struggling Spelthorne BC have said its ‘improvement remains largely ahead...

FINANCE

City council requests £15m exceptional financial support

By Dan Peters | 06 February 2026

Brighton & Hove City Council has requested £15m of exceptional financial support (EFS) from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Popular articles by William Eichler