The government has confirmed its final statutory directions to Hackney Council, without significant change to the draft versions issued four weeks ago (News, page 5, 20 September).

The directions represent the government's first use of its intervention powers under the Local Government Act 1999.

Five departments have issued directions covering: a strategy to balance the council's budget and a plan for a new system of financial management; recruiting key staff, particularly in procurement and contract management; reviewing property and accommodation management; overhauling the education service; Best Value reviews of services for older people and mental health; clearing the backlog of housing and council tax benefits work by the end of the year; and improving waste management services.