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Local Government Best Value

22 January 2025

Proposing MP
Jim McMahon Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the intervention by the government into the London Borough of Tower Hamlets due to its failure to comply with the Best Value Duty.

Action Requested

The minister has issued Directions under section 15(5) of the Local Government Act 1999, implementing a statutory support package until March 2028. This includes appointing Ministerial Envoys and Assistant Envoys to work within the Council, reporting on progress regularly, and directing the Council to cooperate fully with these envoys.

Key Facts

  • Tower Hamlets Council is failing to comply with its Best Value Duty in relation to Continuous Improvement, Governance, Leadership, Culture and Partnerships.
  • The statutory support package will be in place until 31 March 2028.
  • Kim Bromley-Derry CBE DL has been nominated as Ministerial Envoy and Pam Parkes and Shokat Lal as Assistant Envoys.
  • The Council must cooperate with the Ministerial Envoys and allow them reasonable access to premises, documents, employees or members.
  • The support package acknowledges the political mandate of the Mayor while tackling deeply rooted issues.
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