BCP COUNCIL has been threatened with legal action by another council over the latter’s failed finances. 

Thurrock Borough Council went bust around two years ago due to “disastrous” solar farm investments made between 2017 and 2020. 

And now the Essex-based local authority has threatened to sue 23 other councils as it attempts to claw back some of the £54m lost. 

BCP Council said it is unable to comment because of potential legal proceedings. 

Sources at BCP Council have told the Echo that the authority is aware of the potential legal action and that it has had no direct contact with Thurrock council. 

Thurrock council is in dispute with the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) — the organisation that valued the solar farms.  

Last week, Thurrock issued a statement claiming APSE's valuations were “negligent” and "overvalued" - ASPE has always denied this. 

It said APSE had not “properly engaged” in the dispute and it may need to preserve its claim, by issuing another.  

APSE, a networking community that assists local authorities on matters, said it is “extremely disappointed” in Thurrock council. 

A spokesman said: “APSE is extremely disappointed that in the midst of a pathway to resolving a complex and costly dispute – one that risks embroiling over 250 local councils in a legal matter – Thurrock council has chosen to issue a press release which risks undermining sensitive discussions with our member local councils.” 

He added: “It is highly disingenuous to suggest that APSE has not gone to great lengths to engage in dispute resolution. 

As these matters are the subject of legal dispute, making such public statements, as made by Thurrock, risks undermining fairness and transparency, and opens up the potential for further legal action, which APSE may now need to consider. 

“APSE will not therefore be issuing any further comment at this time.” 

Thurrock council declared itself effectively bankrupt around two years ago after losing £200million from the deals between 2017 and 2020. 

John Kent, leader of Thurrock council, said his authority has “promised” its residents, commissioners and the government that “it will leave no stone unturned” to recover the money.