Government appoints new Doncaster Council chief executive

The Government has announced the appointment a new chief executive and three commissioners to take charge of Doncaster Council.

In April the previous government used statutory powers to intervene in Doncaster Council after an Audit Commission report identified a series of severe failings.

The report found that Doncaster's mayor, Peter Davies, the cabinet, its senior officers and some councillors were not capable of making improvements.

The decision to intervene was made in the wake of last August's court case involving two young brothers who violently attacked an 11-year-old boy and his nine-year-old nephew in Edlington, near Doncaster.

New chief executive Rob Vincent said: "I am looking forward to committing myself to helping Doncaster re-find its stride and make the progress that all who know the town are looking for.

"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."

The council will now participate in a three week consultation process to discuss the intervention proposals before a final statutory order is introduced on 23 June.

Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies said: "We note the draft directions and welcome much of what they say. During the three week consultation period, we will continue to make representations to the Government for the benefit of Doncaster."