House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Local Government Stewardship Update
08 May 2024 · Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Proposed by Simon Hoare Con North Dorset
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- New guidance on best value standards and interventions for local government is outlined to ensure effective use of resources and compliance with statutory duties.
- The minister announces reissuing a Best Value Notice to South Cambridgeshire District Council and appointing inspectors for Warrington Borough Council and Spelthorne Borough Council.
- Proposed continued intervention at Liverpool City Council includes the appointment of an Assurance and Improvement Board, with proposals subject to public representations before final decisions.
Issue summary
The statement outlines new guidance on best value standards and interventions for local government to ensure effective use of resources and compliance with statutory duties.
Action requested
The minister announces reissuing a Best Value Notice to South Cambridgeshire District Council, appointing inspectors for Warrington Borough Council and Spelthorne Borough Council, and proposing continued intervention at Liverpool City Council with the appointment of an Assurance and Improvement Board. The proposals are subject to public representations before final decisions.
Key facts
- Best Value Guidance issued under section 26 of the Local Government Act 1999 following a six-week consultation.
- Warrington Borough Council has a Capital Finance Requirement of £1.85 billion and is the most indebted unitary authority in England as of March 2023.
- Spelthorne Borough Council's debt stands at nearly £1.1 billion, which is the second highest level of debt for a district authority in England as of March 2023.
- Liverpool City Council intervention will continue until 31 March 2025 with a proposed statutory Assurance and Improvement Board.