Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Local Government Best Value

06 March 2025 · 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 government will continue to work with Thurrock Council and Woking Borough Council in a supportive manner.
  • The government will extend Commissioner appointments and publish reports to assess progress in these councils.
  • Financial support will be provided through the Local Government Finance Settlement and other funding initiatives.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the progress and challenges faced by Thurrock Council and Woking Borough Council under statutory intervention, focusing on their efforts towards Best Value duty compliance.

Action requested

The government will continue to work with these councils in a supportive manner, extending Commissioner appointments and publishing reports to assess progress. It also commits to providing financial support through the Local Government Finance Settlement and other funding initiatives.

Key facts

  • Thurrock Council has been under statutory intervention since September 2022.
  • Woking Borough Council has been under statutory intervention since May 2023.
  • Dr Dave Smith's appointment as Managing Director Commissioner is extended to 1 September 2025.
  • Nicole Wood stepped down from her role as Thurrock Commissioner to become the Chief Executive of Essex County Council.
  • The government will provide over £5 billion in new funding for local services over and above council tax, including an additional £2 billion through the Local Government Finance Settlement.
  • A guarantee that local authorities will receive at least £1.1 billion from the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging scheme in 2025-26.
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