Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to appoint Commissioners to administer Birmingham City Council.

In January 2015 the Department for Communities and Local Government, together with Birmingham City Council, established an Independent Improvement Panel to support and challenge the council in implementing the recommendations set out in Lord Kerslake’s review, which reported in December 2014.

The Panel have provided regular updates to the Secretary of State on the progress made by Birmingham City Council, and submitted their most recent update on 24 February. The letter is available (attached) at the following link: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/5971/letter_to_the_secretary_of_state_for_communities_and_local_government_24_february_2017

The Secretary of State is now considering the Panel’s letter, and will respond in due course.