Government demands ‘urgent update’ on city council’s finances

The has demanded an “urgent update” from the chairman of the Birmingham Independent Improvement Panel in an email sent on the day of Birmingham City Council leader’s resignation.

Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, was responding to an update from John Crabtree about improvements in the city council’s governance, sent on August 4.

Since then the industrial action by binmen has caused huge problems for the council, putting its political and administrative leaders under scrutiny and pressure.

It culminated in the resignation of John Clancy, who had been Labour leader of the city council since December 2015.

Javid said: “Clearly, there have been some significant developments in Birmingham since your letter which could have major implications for the governance of the Council, and its financial position.

“I would therefore be grateful for an urgent update from the Panel on recent events, before I consider what next steps may be appropriate for our work with the City Council.”