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Written question asked by James Cleverly (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Jim McMahon (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Local Government: Flexible Working

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what is her policy on local authorities operating a four day week on full-pay, and whether she intends to re-issue Best Value guidance or interventions on the matter.

Answer

Local authorities are independent employers responsible for managing and organising their own workforces.

The 2024 Best Value guidance includes ‘Council staff undertaking part-time work for full-time pay without compelling justification’ as one indicator of potential failure but makes clear the indicators are illustrative and no single metric automatically leads to inspection or intervention. The Department is currently consulting on revised statutory Best Value guidance.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20286
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Best value Flexible working Local government
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk