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Half of the most indebted councils in the country by population are in and around London – owing between them more than £6 billion.

Increasingly councils across the political spectrum speaking openly about nearing effective bankruptcy. Populations changes, poverty and austerity, they say, is contributing to unstable finances and a pressing need for more central government.

Barking and Dagenham Council in east London has the highest amount of debt in London. But why? And what's the impact on people?

Â鶹Éç Radio London's Jim Davis has been getting the details from reporter Adriana Elgueta.

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