The financial aspects of the review will be led by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), experts in public finance.

This follows a decision to provide financial support packages to eight councils subject to an external review. These authorities are Bexley, Copeland, Eastbourne, Luton, Peterborough, Redcar & Cleveland, Slough and Wirral councils.

The external assurance reviewers will provide a detailed assessment of each councils’ financial position and management, making recommendations where necessary of how each council can take action to improve.

Local government minister Luke Hall said: ‘The government has committed over £35bn to help councils support their communities and local businesses during the pandemic.