Doncaster Council leadership team established

Chief executive of Kirklees Council Rob Vincent is being brought into the beleaguered authority after an Audit Commission report, sparked by a number of high-profile cases including that of the two young brothers who attacked two boys in Edlington, found that the mayor and cabinet showed a lack of effective leadership, and recommended the government intervene.

The measures announced today include establishing a team of commissioners with powers to appoint, discipline or dismiss officers. The government is also intending to set up a non-executive intervention and recovery board to support, challenge and monitor progress alongside the commissioners and Communities Secretary Eric Pickles. An experienced team of senior officers is also being shipped in to support Vincent in his new role.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: "The dysfunctional politics, poor services and ineffective leadership, identified by the Audit Commission, all must be addressed.

"All parties have agreed that intervention is needed and the package of measures we're announcing today will ensure that Doncaster gets the proper leadership and expertise that is urgently required for turning this situation around."

The council has now been given time to discuss and agree the proposals before a final statutory order is introduced.

Dame Margaret Eaton, chairman of the Local Government Association (LGA), said: "Experienced elected members and senior officers have been providing support to Doncaster and the LGA's deputy chief executive Jo Miller, has been seconded in recent weeks as acting chief executive."

On his appointment Vincent said: "I know that it is a place with a great history, some current strengths, and good prospects. It has had many problems over a number of years, and there will be difficulties in finding a confident way forward. 

"But it is clear that many individuals, officers and politicians remain highly committed and motivated to achieve the best for local people. I will be pleased to join them, and to help shape a successful Doncaster for the future."