04/02/2015

Rotherham Council Cabinet To Resign After Damning Report Findings

Rotherham Council cabinet is to resign after a report found it was "not fit for purpose."

According to a statement, they will leave their posts "as soon as transitional arrangements can be put in place."

A report, written by Louise Casey, said the council was "too willing to take the ‘path of least resistance’ when confronted with staff who were potentially guilty of gross misconduct."

The report was commissioned by the Department for Communities & Local Government in light of Professor Alexis Jay’s finding that at least 1,400 children were abused in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that the matters referred to are allegations of potential criminal behaviour.

Speaking to MPs in Westminster, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles proposed government-appointed commissioners to deal with issues where the authority is currently failing.

He also called for an all-out election at the council in 2016.

(IT)

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