Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Local Government Best Value

15 October 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West and Royton

Local Government

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim McMahon raised concerns about local government best value in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Government aims to empower local and regional authorities to enhance public services and economic growth.
  • Steps are being taken to support Slough Borough Council and Bedford Borough Council in their recovery and reform.
  • The Government is contemplating an intervention package for the two councils, potentially involving the appointment of Commissioners and issuing statutory Directions.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West and Royton

The Government is committed to rewiring the relationship between central, local, and regional government to return power to people and places, supporting councils and communities in improving public services, driving growth, and delivering better outcomes. Today, I am updating the House on the steps taken in partnership with Slough Borough Council and Bedford Borough Council to support their recovery and reform. The Government is considering an intervention package for Slough Borough Council and Bedford Borough Council, including the appointment of Commissioners and statutory Directions to the Councils to ensure compliance with their Best Value Duty and drive improvement.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jim McMahon Lab Oldham West and Royton

    Slough Borough Council has been in intervention since December 2021 and is forecast to overspend by £20m, with ongoing reliance on Exceptional Financial Support and the need to manage debt effectively. Governance remains underdeveloped, and weaknesses persist in key services. The Government is minded to implement an intervention package that includes a refresh of the Commissioner team and a political adviser to support the Council ahead of the 2027 elections. The intervention will be in place until 30 November 2029, with a review after 12 months. Bedford Borough Council has also been identified as failing to comply with its Best Value Duty, and the Government is minded to appoint Commissioners with expertise in political and corporate leadership, transformation, governance, and finance to drive improvement and prepare a comprehensive Improvement and Recovery Plan. The intervention will be in place for three years but may be shortened if sufficient progress is made.

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