Mike Yuille 08 March 2022

Slough given conditions for £300m bailout

Slough given conditions for £300m bailout image
Image: Cmspic / Shutterstock.com

Slough Council will only be considered for a £307m Government bailout to cover its deficits if it proves it can turn itself around financially, the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has warned.

The conditions include creating an improvement plan, and showing progress in selling assets, reducing debt and meeting savings targets.

DLUHC has also told Slough to draw up an action plan for achieving financial sustainability and closing its long-term budget gap.

In a letter this week to Slough leader James Swindlehurst, local government minister Kemi Badenoch accused the council of ‘serious failings’.

However, she also thanked Cllr Swindlehurst for his ‘openness’ about the situation and the ‘commitment you have made to the improvements needed’.

The extent of Slough’s financial problems emerged last year, with the Government sending in commissioners.

Ms Badenoch said levelling up secretary Michael Gove was ‘minded to approve’ Slough’s request for a capitalisation worth £307m to cover five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

However, she added Slough would have to demonstrate ‘significant ongoing progress’ in delivering against an improvement plan to secure another £171m for the five years up until 2027-28.

Separately, DLUHC has welcomed progress by Croydon LBC and said it would grant its request for a £75m capitalisation direction for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23.

However, on Nottingham City Council, Ms Badenoch said: ‘It is clear the council continues to face many challenges as it seeks to address its past failings.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Law & Governance

South Kesteven District Council
c. £110k inc.
Effective decision-making in local government leads to better outcomes for communities. Lincolnshire
Recuriter: South Kesteven District Council

Regeneration Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£65,098 - £71,353
The Major Projects and Regeneration Team, part of our Place, Economy and Environment directorate, is at the heart of delivering this vision. Working with government, private sector partners and our local communities, we are driving forward projects funded One Angel Square 4 Angel Street Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Streetscene

Fareham Borough Council
£92,027 - £105,394 (Director Grade) Pay award pending
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Shared Lives Social Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£37,035 - £43,693
About the Role Your role will be working with Shared Lives Carers and people who use the service to ensure that there is a good outcome for everyone. Assessing people for their suitability to become carers, presenting assessment reports to the Shared Live Abingdon with some agile working/working from home
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Lawyer Employment

Durham County Council
£45,718 to £49,764 p.a. (Grade 13) pay award pending
An opportunity for an Employment Lawyer has become available to work at Durham County Council as part of the Legal and Democratic Services Team. Durh Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner