Slough Borough Council has welcomed the latest report from the government commissioners. 

The report, published this today (Wednesday 9 July), is one of the regular updates on Slough Borough Council’s improvement, required by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). 

It is the sixth report since the intervention was put in place in 2021. 

Last year it was announced the intervention would continue until November 2026. 

The report, written in April, details progress made by the council since the previous report (November 2024) as well as highlighting areas which need more focus.

Commissioners recognised the benefits of having a stable corporate leadership team (CLT) comprised of permanent appointments and being led by the Managing Director Commissioner and noted evidence of closer working relationships between Cabinet and CLT.

They welcomed the motion to April Full Council, unanimously approved by members, to uphold good standards.

In addition, both the Scrutiny Committee and the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee have improved since the last report, and Commissioners expressed their gratitude for the work undertaken by officers, with support from the Local Government Association, in helping both officers and members develop their skills.

The report also recognised the significant step of the preparation, publication and conclusion of audits for four years of accounts, from 2019/20 to 2022/23 and the additional controls put in place to improve the governance of the council’s finances.

Commissioners also noted improvement in partnerships across Slough and more widely in Berkshire, which provides a much firmer foundation for future collaboration, stating, the positive relationship with Frimley Integrated Care Board has led to a joint review of the Better Care Fund, whilst the council has collaborated closely with Thames Valley Police and residents in the ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ initiative in Langley. The partnership with SEGRO has resulted in the refreshed simplified planning zone.

However, the commissioners noted in the report that there is much still to do, the pace of improvements remains too slow and advised that:

Gavin Jones, Lead Commissioner for Slough Borough Council, said: “We recognise the work underway is taking the council in the right direction, especially the focus on the Best Value council principles.

“But the significant challenges involved in the council’s improvement cannot be underestimated. We are keen to see more stability and sustainability for the council’s operations and finances, and for change to be faster and more impactful. 

“The commissioner team will continue to work with the council to press for and support the improvement action.” 

Will Tuckley, Managing Director Commissioner and Chief Executive, said: “We can demonstrate where change is happening and the benefits these improvements are bringing.

“But the report also shows where more effort is needed to generate the pace and success required for the council’s future.

“The corporate leadership team and I are completely focused on the work required to drive the council’s recovery and are firmly committed to the borough. The council’s recovery will take time and energy, building on what has been done well so far, so we can face the challenges and recognise opportunities.”

Dexter Smith, Leader of the Council, said: “I welcome the latest report and will continue to work closely with the commissioners to improve the council for all who live, work and study in our borough. 

“Ever since forming my administration in May 2023, I have told Slough’s residents and council staff 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. I remain dedicated to our borough.”

Since April the council has also implemented further actions to increase the pace of the recovery and improvement including:

The full report can be found on the government website: Intervention at Slough Borough Council - GOV.UK