Minister confirms two-year extension to intervention at Slough

The Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution has confirmed that the statutory intervention at Slough Borough Council will continue for a further two years.

Last month Jim McMahon said he had concluded, after consideration of the fifth report from the Commissioners at Slough, that the local authority is not meeting its best value duty.

He added that he was minded, subject to representations on his proposal, to issue new directions. The minister said that if he did, he would reappoint the current three Commissioners and also appoint the interim Chief Executive, Will Tuckley, as Managing Director Commissioner.

In a written ministerial statement issued this week, McMahon said: “The proposal was to require the council to take actions that are consistent with the priorities the Commissioners have set for the council, provide for Commissioners to continue to be able to exercise council functions relating to governance, finance and appointments and to extend the timeframe of the statutory intervention until 30 November 2026.

“Following consideration of the two representations that were received, noting the support from the council for the proposal and the concerns raised about the pace and impact of the intervention to date in the other, the Secretary of State and I have decided to implement the proposals announced on 22 October and issue new Directions to the council, which come into effect immediately and will remain in force up to and including 30 November 2026.”

The directions issued on 1 December 2021 (updated on 1 September 2022 and 22 May 2023) were revoked with immediate effect.

The Minister of State confirmed the reappointment of the current three Commissioners, Gavin Jones, Denise Murray and Ged Curran, for the duration of the intervension.

He has also appointed Will Tuckley, Slough’s Interim Chief Executive, as Managing Director Commissioner for 18 months. “This will strengthen the relationship between the Commissioner team and council and support the council to lead its recovery.”

Responding to the statement, Slough said it welcomed the move, adding that it had requested a two-year extension ahead of the Minister’s announcements last month.

Will Tuckley, Slough Borough Council Chief Executive, said: “I’m proud to be able to be a part of Slough Borough Council’s improvement and will be working closely with all involved, both within the council and with communities and partners across the borough to improve the council for the good of all.

“The Managing Director Commissioner responsibilities are designed to support the delivery of improvement work underway and complementing the remit of the Chief Executive role. The joint role of Managing Director Commissioner and Chief Executive provides a stronger link between commissioners and the management of the council to help support the democratic delivery of all we do.

“It is well recognised there is much work to do to rebuild the council and regain financial stability. The ongoing support from Government is essential to meeting the challenges as we work towards a better future.”

Gavin Jones, Lead Commissioner for Slough, said: “The continuation of the intervention is necessary at this time to tackle the vast challenges involved in the council’s improvement. It has become clear that much more work is needed to provide stability and sustainability for the council’s operations and finances.

“The commissioner team welcomes the confirmation of the new government directions for the next two years and the addition of the Managing Director Commissioner role.”

Slough said the next steps for the council included implementing recommendations around financial sustainability, changing the way the council works (including a new operating model) to become a more efficient and smaller organisation, and a spotlight on the potential of Slough as a place to be proud of. 

It acknowledged, however, that the changes underway would “take time and effort to yield the required results”.

Cllr Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, said: “I am pleased the government has confirmed the Best Value Intervention of Slough Borough Council will continue for another two years and welcome the introduction of the Managing Director Commissioner role.

“We know that there is no quick or easy way to turn round our council’s fortunes. The situation we are dealing with has been years in the making and so it will take years to resolve. We know there is no quick fix to reducing our extremely high debt levels, or to getting the council to live within its means and deliver best value services. But residents should start to see evidence, and feel the benefits, of continuous improvement towards these goals. Now we have the extra time and help from government to do that.

“I am committed to improving our council and the better future we are all working towards for the good of all who live, work and study in our borough.”