In advance of this week's report on the size of Thurrock BC's financial losses, Gavin Jones speaks to Heather Jameson about the reasons why councils get into trouble, and the importance of identifying toxic cultures early

There was a time when local government failure and intervention was straightforward. A council collapsed, a report was written, commissioners were sent in to resolve the issues. Heads would, invariably, roll. There were faults with the system, but it was clear.