Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Local Government Best Value

05 March 2026 · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Proposed by Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead

Local Government

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The minister is commissioning an external review led by Dame Mary Ney to assess Slough Borough Council's progress.
  • The review aims to identify further support needed for the council to achieve immediate progress and long-term sustainability.
  • The external review is expected to report by May 2026.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the ongoing intervention at Slough Borough Council and the slow progress made in compliance with the Best Value Duty.

Action requested

The minister is commissioning an external review led by Dame Mary Ney to assess the council's improvement trajectory and identify further support needed for immediate progress and long-term sustainability. The review is expected to report by May.

Key facts

  • Slough Borough Council has been in intervention since December 2021, extended until November 2026.
  • The latest Commissioners’ report indicates tentative progress has not been sustained.
  • An external review led by Dame Mary Ney and supported by Will Godfrey is being commissioned.
  • The review will assess the council's improvement trajectory and identify further support needed.
  • The review is expected to report back by May.
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