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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?

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio London's Jim Davis has been getting the details from reporter Adriana Elgueta.

(Image credit: Getty Images)