A ‘BEST value’ inspection into Warrington Borough Council is set to conclude later than initially planned due to the General Election.

As reported last month, the Government has ordered a ‘best value’ inspection into the council amid its huge level of debt.

A lead inspector has been appointed to assess the council’s ‘compliance with its best value duty’.

The lead inspector had been asked to report findings by August 30, or ‘such later date as may be agreed’, and is able to request the appointment of assistant inspectors.

But the council has now been advised that, due to the General Election, there has been a change to the schedule and timetable for the inspection.

The inspection will proceed, however, the appointment of two assistant inspectors will take place after the General Election.

The timetable will be ‘extended’ – with the council advised that the inspection is now likely to conclude in the ‘early autumn’ and then its recommendations will be put to the secretary of state.

In a statement last month, a council spokesman said: “The inspection will undoubtedly have our full co-operation, and we will work positively, openly and at pace with the inspector.

“Equally, we welcome the CIPFA review report being made public, following their review in February 2023. We have supported the report being made public since receiving the draft report in September 2023.

“While DLUHC recognises that we have taken steps to address areas for improvement, we will continue to identify any learning and further improvements that can be made as part of this inspection process.

“Finally, we would like to reassure residents and businesses that this review will not impact the valuable services that you depend upon. We will continue to make sure that our day-to-day services remain at the standard you expect and deserve.”