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Written question asked by David Simmonds (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 March 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Best Value: Surrey

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what will happen to the Best Value interventions in Surrey when the district councils are abolished; and whether there will be any central government monitoring or intervention in the new unitary councils in relation to the legacy issues.

Answer

The current Best Value arrangements for Woking and Spelthorne Borough Councils will lapse on West Surrey’s vesting day, due in April 2027, as these councils will be abolished. Commissioners are developing robust handover plans to facilitate a smooth transition into West Surrey. We are working with Commissioners and local stakeholders to consider how the new Council can effectively manage legacy issues moving forward, and what support it will need to deliver for its residents.

We are clear that Woking Borough Council’s debt cannot be managed in full locally. Further to our unprecedented commitment to repay in-principle an initial £500m of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27, we are committed to providing interim financial support to the new council until a final decision is made. It is crucial that any debt support must consider value for money for local and national taxpayers.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120065
Session
2024-26
Related items
Woking Borough Council: Debts
Monday, 20 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Woking Borough Council: Debts
Monday, 20 April 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Best value Surrey
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk