Northamptonshire MPs call for resignations on cash-strapped county council

Northamptonshire's Conservative MPs have called for Government commissioners to take over the running of the cash-strapped county council.

It comes after the council became the first for around 20 years to bring in emergency controls banning new spending.

In a joint statement, the MPs say the problems are self-inflicted and that they have no faith in the Tory administration. They've called on the Cabinet to resign.

Cllr Heather Smith, the leader of the council, insists the problems are a result of a 'perfect storm' of less government funding and more pressure on services.

On Monday, (February 5) Northamptonshire County Council announced its final budget proposals - which may be reviewed after the decision to implement the spending controls known as a Section 114 notice.

The notice means no new expenditure is permitted apart from safeguarding vulnerable people and statutory services.

It's in light of the significant risk that the council will not be in a position to deliver a balanced budget by the end of this financial year.

The final budget proposals for 2018/19 include a council tax increase of just under 6%, including the 3% adult social care precept.