Seventh Best Value Report published for Slough Borough Council

Today the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has published the seventh Best Value Report for Slough Borough Council.

The latest commissioner report, written in October 2025, again highlights concern with the pace of the council’s transformation and resilience in dealing with financial shocks.

However, it also notes improvements in engagement with residents and better governance through the joint working of the internal audit and fraud teams.

In response to the report, the Minister has announced an independent review into the council’s improvement journey and trajectory. 

Councillor Dexter Smith, leader of the council, said: “The report from the commissioners rightly holds us to account for our progress, which has been slower than any of us have wished for.

“Since the report was written, we have made small but vital improvements including a robust and comprehensive transformation programme being approved by Cabinet in February, and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy which is expected to be ratified by Full Council this evening.

“The intervention has been running in Slough for more than four years now and even longer with the Department for Education.

“We believe this review will offer fresh perspective on the council’s progress under intervention. It is an opportunity to address the progress we have made, the work still to be done and provide an opportunity for renewed momentum which will benefit us, but most of all our town.”

The reviewers will continue their work in Slough until mid-April and written submissions from residents and stakeholders can be sent to the dedicated inbox: SloughReview2026@communities.gov.uk.

The full report from commissioners, the ministerial response, and the terms of reference for the review is available on gov.uk: Intervention at Slough Borough Council - GOV.UK