Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council is no longer subject to a Best Value Notice, a year after the formal notification was issued by the government. The announcement came today, 15 July 2026, from Alison McGovern MP, the Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, who confirmed that ministers are now reassured regarding the council's capacity to comply with its Best Value Duty under the Local Government Act 1999.
The non-statutory Best Value Notice was initially issued on 17 July 2025 by Jim McMahon OBE MP, who was then the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution. This formal notification signified that the Department had concerns about the authority's operations and requested assurance of improvement from Dudley Council. Such notices are a mechanism for the government to highlight areas where a local authority may not be meeting its obligations to provide value for money in its services.
Over the past twelve months, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has been under scrutiny to address the issues raised by the Department. The lifting of the notice indicates that the measures and improvements implemented by the council during this period have satisfied ministerial concerns. This development follows a comprehensive review of the council's performance and governance.
The Best Value Duty, enshrined in the Local Government Act 1999, requires local authorities to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which their functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. The issuance of a Best Value Notice is a serious step, often preceding more direct intervention if significant improvements are not demonstrated.
Today's decision marks a positive turning point for Dudley Council, suggesting a renewed confidence from central government in its ability to manage public funds and deliver effective services for its residents. The focus will now shift to maintaining and building upon the improvements made to ensure sustained compliance with its Best Value Duty.