The Rt Hon. Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has today made a statement in response to the best value inspection's report into Northamptonshire County Council (NCC).
I have consequently received a letter from the Secretary of State who reiterates the points he made in the chamber today. This can be found attached below.
The Secretary of State is inclined to appoint Commissioners to take over the key functions at the the Council in order to stabilise the Council until a longer term solution to its difficulties is in place. These functions include governance and financial management alongside reserve powers to intervene in other functions should the need emerge.
Before a final decision is made on whether to appoint Commissioners, NCC and the District and Borough Councils have an opportunity to make representations about Mr Javid's proposals. The deadline for these proposals is 12th April 2018.
I welcome Mr Javid's comments and appreciate the speed in which he has acted on this urgent matter. I will continue to follow this matter extremely closely and will post further updates on NCC and the best value report as and when necessary.