London CNN —The UK government has moved to take control of the country’s second biggest city, Birmingham, after the local council effectively declared itself bankrupt earlier this month. The government has also proposed an inquiry to understand how Birmingham landed in its current financial mess. “The need for action in Birmingham is pressing,” he added. Birmingham City Council issued a so-called section 114 notice on September 5, which means it must halt all spending except on essential services such as schooling, housing, social care, waste collection and road maintenance. The plan is due to be discussed at an extraordinary meeting of the council on September 25.

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Persons: Michael Gove, “, Deborah Cadman Organizations: London CNN, British, Birmingham City Council Locations: Birmingham, London, United Kingdom