Best Value Inspection: Spelthorne Borough Council
Documents relating to the Best Value Inspection of Spelthorne Borough Council.
This page collates all publications relating to the inspection of Spelthorne Borough Council announced in May 2024 and conducted under section 10 of the Local Government Act 1999.
As of March 2023, relative to size, Spelthorne’s debt was the second highest level of debt for a district authority in England (£1.096 billion). The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities commissioned the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) to undertake a detailed capital assurance review of Spelthorne Borough Council.
CIPFA’s review concluded the portfolio of debt-funded investments for Spelthorne Borough Council was very large and that there were serious financial concerns relating to the Council’s affordable housing plans. Considering the review’s findings, together with the Council’s response and other related assessments, ministers have taken the view that there are clear financial risks, and, if they materialise, that are likely to have significant impact on local residents and some impact on the national public purse.
Accordingly, to support the Council to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement, ministers have appointed Lesley Seary to inspect Spelthorne Borough Council’s compliance with its Best Value Duty.