One in four English councils ‘may seek bankruptcy bailout in next two years’

Survey finds one in 10 have discussed emergency support with government amid funding gap of over 2bn next year

One in four English councils could go bankrupt unless they are bailed out by the government in the next two years, a survey has revealed.

Councils are warning of a worsening crisis" that could result in cuts to vital public services amid a funding gap of more than 2bn next year, according to the survey of chief executives conducted by the Local Government Association.