TAMESIDE Council’s interim chief executive has landed a Government role designed to boost struggling authorities.
Harry Catherall was brought in from neighbouring Oldham as it was embroiled in a string of resignations.
Now he has been tasked with steering Warrington Borough Council on to a better course after it failed a best value inspection.
Mr Catherall is one four ‘ministerial envoys’ employed by the Government to take on troubled administrations.
And a letter from James Blythe, deputy director of local government stewardship and interventions, detailed his role.
It states: “We expect the team to work together in supporting Warrington Borough Council to meet its Best Vale Duty, providing comprehensive and holistic support to drive cultural change and help deliver the necessary improvements.
“The Secretary of State expects you to take an interest in matters across the authority, beyond those identified in the directions, given the importance of ensuring that the Authority is delivering best value in all that it does.
“You will play an important role in informing ministers’ response to the situation in Warrington Borough Council.
“You will wish to note that the Secretary of State has asked that the ministerial envoys provide an update within the first six months of the intervention, and from then on, on a regular basis as agreed with the ministry.”
Jobs for the new envoys include preparing and agreeing an improvement and recovery plan within six months.
They must also undertake recruitment for a permanent appointment to lead the improvement work in the authority and progress against the directions.
They can also instruct Mr McMahon to take any reasonable action within an authority’s functions to prevent further failure.
A Government review found Warrington Borough Council’s “aggressive commercial programme” has left it in a “precarious” financial position.
Devolution minister and Oldham MP Jim McMahon said: “I am confident that their extensive knowledge and experience will help deliver the necessary improvements for Warrington.”