Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Written Statement of 12 June 2025 on Local Government Best Value, HCWS697, which (a) external individuals, (b) external organisations, (c) hon. Members and (d) councillors requested escalating the statutory intervention to a Commissioner-led model before 12 June 2025.

On 12 June I announced that I was minded to exercise powers of direction under section 15(5) and 15(6) of the Local Government Act 1999 to ensure London Borough of Croydon’s compliance with the Best Value Duty. As I told the House, before making this announcement I carefully considered all relevant material including the Improvement and Assurance Panel’s latest report and the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge. I sought representation from the London Borough of Croydon and any interested parties on my proposals by 25 June. I am now carefully considering all representations received before making my final decision.