Government urged to intervene in Doncaster Council

An independent watchdog has recommended government intervention in a failing council after concluding it was not capable of making improvements.

The Audit Commission report was carried out after a series of crises at Doncaster Council, including a brutal attack on two young boys in Edlington.

Its social services department had already been criticised following the deaths of seven children.

The report said the council was failing because it was not properly run.

The Audit Commission said it was matter for Communities Secretary John Denham to decide exactly what action is taken.

The report said: “Doncaster Metropolitan Borough is failing.”

It added: “Those leading the council – the mayor and cabinet, some councillors and some officers – do not collectively have the capacity or capability to make the necessary improvements in governance.

“The council will not improve without significant and sustained support from external bodies.”