Cheshire East Council has been given a warning by Government it must improve.
A best value notice –issued by government to express concern over a council’s governance and value for money – was this morning handed to the Labour / independent-led authority.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has requested Cheshire East “engage” with the department and provide “assurances of improvement”.
Esther McVey said: “This is not a surprise. Those of my constituents that live in Cheshire East know they are failing and it is now so bad the government feels the need to intervene.”
Ms McVey has criticised the council over its “financial mismanagement” and repeatedly said it was failing her constituents.
She added: “I have this morning written to the leader of the council and the chief executive to ask to meet with me urgently to discuss this matter.”
The best value notice expresses concerns over the council’s financial sustainability and medium-term financial strategy, as well leadership, governance, scrutiny and culture.
Ms McVey added: “It is disgraceful that any council needs to be told these things. There is a complete lack of leadership, and something needs to change. I will keep pressure on Cheshire East over this and will be seeking a meeting with Local Government minister, so he is fully aware of my concerns.”
The MHCLG said the order was necessary given the seriousness of issues identified at the council.