The Isle of Wight Council is not commenting on a threat of legal action made by another local authority.

Thurrock Council, which went bust due to 'disastrous' solar farm investments made between 2017 and 2020, is trying to recover vast sums of public money lost as part of the deals.

It 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".

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APSE has always denied the claims.

To recuperate some of the cash, Thurrock is threatening to sue 23 councils, which form part of APSE, according to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism.

The Isle of Wight Council and Southampton City Council are among those listed.

Despite the threat, Southampton City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it does not believe there is “any valid cause of action”.

The Isle of Wight Council told the County Press it would not be commenting at this stage.

Thurrock Council said APSE had not 'properly engaged' in the dispute and it may need to preserve its claim, by issuing another.

In response, APSE said it is 'highly disingenuous' to suggest it has not gone to great lengths to engage in dispute resolution.

A statement said it is "extremely disappointed" Thurrock has issued a press release, which risks undermining "sensitive discussions".