House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Local Government Best Value
03 April 2025 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Proposed by Jim McMahon Lab Co-op Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government has issued a best value notice to the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
- Non-statutory guidance is published to address key recommendations from an independent review.
- The guidance focuses on improving governance and oversight of Mayoral Development Corporations.
Issue summary
The statement addresses concerns regarding the Tees Valley Combined Authority's governance and financial management.
Action requested
The government has issued a best value notice to the authority, requesting engagement with the department for assurance of improvement. Non-statutory guidance is also published to address key recommendations from an independent review, focusing on governance and oversight of Mayoral Development Corporations.
Key facts
- Independent review commissioned in May 2023.
- Review findings published in January 2024.
- Mayor Lord Houchen responded in February 2024.
- Department received update from the Authority in September 2024.
- Auditors identified significant weaknesses in value for money arrangements in financial year 2023/24.
- Best value notice issued to Tees Valley Combined Authority in October 2024.
- Up to £21.7 billion of funding confirmed over 25 years for Net Zero Clusters in Teesside and Merseyside.
- Non-statutory guidance published addressing governance and oversight of Mayoral Development Corporations.