Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Local Government Best Value

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

Proposed by Alison McGovern Lab Wirral South

Local Government

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Secretary of State issued Directions for Nottingham City Council, appointing Sharon Kemp OBE as Ministerial Envoy.
  • An intervention package for Nottingham City Council has been implemented until September 2027.
  • Progress reports have been published for Croydon, Warrington, and Woking Borough Councils.

Issue summary

The statement discusses updates on steps taken by the Government to support four councils under Best Value intervention.

Action requested

The Secretary of State has issued Directions for Nottingham City Council, appointing Sharon Kemp OBE as Ministerial Envoy and implementing an intervention package until September 2027. For Croydon, Warrington, and Woking Borough Councils, progress reports have been published and the councils are required to maintain efforts towards recovery and improvement.

Key facts

  • Nottingham City Council has made significant improvements but still faces challenges in Continuous Improvement and Service Delivery.
  • The intervention package for Nottingham includes specific actions by the Council and appointing Ministerial Envoys, with a maximum of 75 days of support per year.
  • Croydon Borough has been under intervention since January 2021, with Commissioners appointed in July 2025 to oversee progress and transformation.
  • Warrington Borough Council faces a £130 million four-year budget gap and significant financial liabilities.
  • Woking Borough Council is committed to repaying £500 million of debt by 2026-27 as part of its recovery plan.
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