A report from the government commissioners, appointed to Slough following the council’s financial collapse, has been accepted by the council leadership.
A report from the government commissioners, appointed to Slough following the council’s financial collapse, has been accepted by the council leadership.
The report – the first on the state of the intervention – was sent to government on 9 June with the response being received today (28 July).
Both the report and response can be read on the government’s website: Intervention at Slough Borough Council - GOV.UK
As well as laying out the circumstances which led to the council’s financial challenges, the report – produced six months following the appointment of the commissioners – requests further powers for the commissioners.
This includes the power to recruit to the top three tiers of the council without following the usual council procedures in an attempt to get the right people in place, quickly, so the council can continue to recover.
Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council, said: “The mistakes which brought us to this position are laid out clearly, but what is also clearer as we move forward is what we need to do to help put things right.”
“We have always accepted the seriousness of our situation and the difficult decisions we have to make in the coming years.
“If the processes and arrangements to recruit a strong officer team can be streamlined or simplified, so we can more forward and restore staff capabilities more swiftly until the council is further stabilised, then we accept this will also assist the council’s recovery.”
He added: “Our financial position remains extremely serious. But everyone, officers, commissioners and members, is committed to Slough, our town and its residents.”