It happened in Woking, Croydon, Thurrock, Birmingham – and now Nottingham. All over England, local councils are issuing section 114 notices, in effect saying they have gone bust. But what does this mean in terms of the services they provide, and why is it happening?
Jessica Murray is the Guardian’s Midlands correspondent and has been reporting on the pressures councils are facing. Council leaders say austerity has meant the funding they get from central government has been reduced. But the Conservatives claim bad management and risky investment by councillors is to blame.
Hannah Moore hears what this could mean for local services – from adult social care to parks and swimming pools. And why one in five councils are now facing similar problems.
Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian
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