Consultation on revised Best Value guidance

Overview

Statutory guidance on the Best Value Duty (Best value standards and intervention: a statutory guide for best value authorities - GOV.UK’) was published in May 2024 to provide greater clarity to the local government sector in England on what constitutes Best Value and the standards expected by central government. The guidance explained the various models of statutory and non-statutory intervention available to the department and the then Secretary of State to support authorities to achieve compliance. 

We are now consulting on revised guidance to articulate this Government’s approach to support local government and ultimately deliver for their residents and the prosperity of their area. The revised draft incorporates lessons from our independent evaluation of interventions, and emphasises early support and prevention to help local authorities to proactively to address risks before they escalate.

Closes 7 Oct 2026

Opened 15 Jul 2026