Watchdog acts over 'threat to public confidence' in Doncaster after tortured boys case

The Audit Commission said it was taking the unusual step of carrying out a snap inspection because of a "threat to public confidence" – less than two years after it threatened Government intervention over other failings.

The inspection – which could recommend further Government action – comes after a review into the case of the two brothers, aged 11 and 12, who were locked up last week for a shocking attack on two young boys, revealed a series of failings by social services and other agencies.

A poor inspection report last year, the sudden departure of chief officer Paul Hart earlier this month and strained relations between his interim replacement and the town's Mayor have also added to concerns in Whitehall.

"The Audit Commission has today informed the mayor and acting chief executive of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council that it will carry out a corporate governance inspection of the council, " said a spokesman.

"This decision has been taken in the light of serious concerns about the council's performance in the last two years and the threat to public confidence caused by recent events.

"The inspection will take place as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made."

The announcement is the latest blow to an authority where the Government has already been forced to intervene in the Children's Services department after serious case reviews were ordered into the deaths of seven children over five years.

In May 2008 an Audit Commission report threatened Government intervention after the council's handling of former managing director Susan Law's departure, which cost around 300,000 in severance payments and legal costs.

Ministers have been keeping a close eye on events in Doncaster and are concerned that despite some improvements in children's services more still needs to be done.

The council was forced to issue an "unqualified apology" on Friday for the series of failings in the Edlington case, highlighted by a serious case review which concluded the attacks had been preventable.

The authority has been plunged into further trouble following the departure of Mr Hart. Tim Leader was installed as interim chief executive at a full council meeting but the decision angered Mayor Peter Davies who told him to resign.

Mayor Davies has refused to comment on the Audit Commission's announcement.

Coun Richard Kemp, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on the Local Government Association, said he thought outside intervention was now "all that can work" at Doncaster because of the severity of its problems.

Garth Oxby, leader of an alliance of independent members on the council, reiterated claims that elected members were "kept in the dark" about the problems in children's services.