Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Local Government Best Value

17 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.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The statutory inspection of Spelthorne Borough Council is addressed due to non-compliance with Best Value Duty.
  • Commissioners are proposed to be appointed for five years to exercise certain functions and direct the Council to prepare an Improvement and Recovery Plan.
  • Representations on the proposed intervention package are invited by 28 March 2025.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the statutory inspection of Spelthorne Borough Council and proposes intervention measures to ensure compliance with Best Value Duty.

Action requested

I am proposing the appointment of Commissioners for five years to exercise certain functions, directing the Council to prepare an Improvement and Recovery Plan, and inviting representations on the proposed intervention package by 28 March 2025.

Key facts

  • Spelthorne Borough Council's debt stands at nearly £1.069 billion as of January 2025.
  • The debt is 62.2 times its total service expenditure and ranks second highest among district authorities in England.
  • An inspection was commissioned on May 8, 2024, with a deadline extended to January 31, 2025.
  • Commissioners will assess progress every six months after the first report.
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