Best Value Intervention

The team - Lesley Seary (Lead Commissioner), Peter Robinson, Deborah McLaughlin and Mervyn Greer will serve until January 2026.

The Commissioners are accountable to the Secretary of State to exercise the following functions:

• to strengthen the commercial decision making, regeneration, property management and procurement functions of the Authority
• to deliver financial sustainability by closing any short or long-term budget gaps and reducing the Authority's external borrowing
• transformation of council services to achieve value for money and financial sustainability, taking account of any decisions relating to proposals for unitary local government in Surrey
• ensure the Council has the right skills and structures to make ongoing improvements across the entire organisation

Most decisions remain with the Council but the Commissioners will uphold proper standards and due process, and recommend action where needed.

Cllr Joanne Sexton, Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, said: "We will tackle these challenges head-on. I am resolute in restoring Spelthorne's financial health and will continue to improve our services and work hand-in-hand with the Commissioners to deliver lasting improvements."

Cllr Chris Bateson, Deputy Leader of Spelthorne Borough Council, added: "We stand united in our commitment to drive value for money, cut borrowing and protect vital services. There is no Plan B - we are all in to secure our Borough's future."

All correspondence is available at Spelthorne Borough Council: Directions made under the Local Government Act 1999 (8 May 2025) - GOV.UK