Best Value Intervention

In a letter to the Chief Executive dated 8 May 2025, the Government has advised that it will appoint Commissioners to Spelthorne Borough Council.

The Council has been advised that the team will consist of Lesley Seary as Lead Commissioner, and Peter Robinson, Deborah McLaughlin and Mervyn Greer as Commissioners. They have been appointed until January 2026.

The Commissioners are accountable to the Secretary of State to exercise the following functions:

• to strengthen the commercial decision making, regeneration, property management and procurement functions of the Authority
• to deliver financial sustainability by closing any short or long-term budget gaps and reducing the Authority's external borrowing
• transformation of council services to achieve value for money and financial sustainability, taking account of any decisions relating to proposals for unitary local government in Surrey
• ensure the Council has the right skills and structures to make ongoing improvements across the entire organisation

The Secretary of State considers that most decisions should continue to be made by the Authority, but with the oversight of the Commissioners who will 'uphold proper standards and due process and recommend action to the Authority'.

Cllr Joanne Sexton, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: "We are determined to address the challenges facing the authority and look forward to working collaboratively with the Commissioners to ensure long-term improvement in the areas highlighted."

All correspondence can be read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spelthorne-borough-council-directions-made-under-the-local-government-act-1999-8-may-2025