Michael Gove blames councils’ financial failure on poor leadership

Michael Gove admitted he is concerned about acute financial pressures on local government, but blamed “poor leadership” for an increase in the number of councils which have declared effective bankruptcy.

The Local Government Association and others have warned that growing funding pressures threaten vital frontline services, with the prospect of more councils joining the seven which have issued a section 114 notice since 2020.

Giving evidence to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee on Wednesday, Mr Gove was asked for his assessment of council finances.