Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Local Government Best Value

12 November 2024 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Proposed by Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton

Local Government

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The London Borough of Tower Hamlets failed to comply with its Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999.
  • The minister proposes a statutory support package for Tower Hamlets for an initial period of three years.
  • The support package includes the reconfiguration and strengthening of the Council's Transformation Advisory Board and the appointment of Ministerial Envoys.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the London Borough of Tower Hamlets' failure to comply with its Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999.

Action requested

The minister proposes a statutory support package for an initial period of three years, including the reconfiguration and strengthening of the Council’s Transformation Advisory Board and the appointment of Ministerial Envoys to provide oversight and support. The proposed measures aim to ensure compliance with the Best Value Duty through continuous improvement and robust external assurance.

Key facts

  • Tower Hamlets was subject to statutory intervention from December 2014 to September 2018.
  • An inspection by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP identified best value failure in grant making, property disposal, and publicity spending.
  • The Council's governance issues were reviewed again in February 2024 leading to a new statutory intervention being considered.
  • Kim Bromley-Derry CBE DL was appointed as Lead Inspector for the latest inspection.
  • The proposed support package will be in place for an initial period of three years with Ministerial Envoys to oversee changes and improvements.
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