The time period for the ‘best value’ inspection into Warrington Borough Council has been extended – with the Labour-run authority continuing to ‘fully co-operate’.

As reported in May, the then-Conservative Government ordered a ‘best value’ inspection into the council amid its debt totalling around £1.85 billion.

A lead inspector was 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’.

Labour won a huge majority in the General Election on July 4 and, following that, formed a Government.

Following the election, it was confirmed that the ‘best value’ inspection was continuing.

It was subsequently confirmed that it would conclude later than planned.

And, this week, there has been an update on it.

Max Soule, deputy director, local government stewardship and interventions, at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has written to council chief executive Steven Broomhead.

It communicates the decision to extend the time period for the inspection until January 31, 2025.

In the letter, he says: “I wish to inform you that the secretary of state has today extended the time period for the best value inspection until 31 January 2025.

“The scope of the inspection remains unchanged from the letter sent to you on 8 May 2024, which is available on gov.uk.

“A copy of this letter will also be published on gov.uk. I appreciate your continued cooperation with the best value inspection.”

The council has issued a statement.

A spokesman said: “We note the decision to extend the time period of the inspection, which we believe will provide the team the appropriate amount of time to complete their report.

“The best value inspection continues to have our full cooperation and we have provided several hundred documents to them so far as well as responding to all questions as they are raised.”