Why more English councils will go bust
Central, not local, mismanagement is mostly to blame
COUNTY HALL in Maidstone was built in grand style, all stone and tall sash windows. Home to the county council since the 19th century, part of it was designed by Robert Smirke, the architect of the British Museum. But it has become costly and impractical. Anyway, Kent needs to find £86m (or $107m) in savings this financial year, around 15% of its budget. If not, bankruptcy may loom. Selling the hall is one option. “We are open to offers,” says Peter Oakford, the council’s deputy leader.
This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Councils of despair”
Britain September 16th 2023
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- Why more English councils will go bust
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- Centrists need to stop worrying and learn to love politics
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