Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe Cash-starved councils lack the manpower or even enough available schools to launch their own multi-academy trusts (MATs), ministers have been warned. Labour will start taking applications from local authorities to open their own MATs later this year. Documents unearthed by Schools Week show how councils planned to create chains of up to 25 schools, turn around the worst performers and cash in on trust 鈥渆conomies of scale鈥� the last time the policy was pursued. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.