Birmingham City Council faces a substantial overhaul as Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove confirmed a five-year intervention to address the city’s severe financial and governance issues. The move comes after a ‘section 114 notice’ issued by the council revealed a backdated equal pay liability of up to £760 million, along with an in-year budget deficit linked to the implementation of an IT system.
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A team of six commissioners, led by experienced local government professional Max Caller CBE, has been appointed to provide advice, challenge the council, and make decisions directly if necessary. The commissioners, equipped with powers related to governance, finance, and recruitment, bring expertise in local government improvement, finance, HR, equal pay, housing, ICT, and commercial projects.
