Latest news with #JoanneSexton
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Government steps in to help run Spelthorne Borough Council
Government-appointed commissioners are to intervene in running a Surrey council with debts of more than £1 McMahon, Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said the government had appointed officials to oversee Spelthorne Borough interventions come after government inspectors expressed concerns over its record of implementing recommendations from external auditors and from the Local Government leader Joanne Sexton said the council was "determined to address the challenges facing the authority" and would work "collaboratively with the commissioners to ensure long-term improvement in the areas highlighted". Under the intervention, which will last until May 2030, commissioners Lesley Seary, Peter Robinson, Deborah McLaughlin and Mervyn Greer will oversee changes to council services to deliver "value for money and financial sustainability".Commissioners will be in place until January 2026, at which point their role will be of March 2023 Spelthorne's debt stood at nearly £1.1 authority was found to have the second highest level of debt for a district or borough council in England, after nearby Woking, relative to its size.A letter from the government to Daniel Mouawad, Spelthorne's chief executive, says the commissioners will aim to close budget shortfalls and reduce the council's "exceptionally high level of external borrowing".Costs for the commissioners will be met by the council rather than the government, Mr McMahon inspection of the authority in January found the council had a "culture of optimism bias", lacked consistent leadership, and did not have the awareness to identify issues or areas for some degree the authority had been "blindsided" by the financial situation, the inspection report added.A council spokesperson added that most decisions would continue to be made by the local authority, but with the oversight of the commissioners.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Spelthorne: Tributes paid following death of former mayor
Tributes have been paid following the death of a former mayor in Sider BEM was first elected to represent Shepperton as a councillor in 1999 and held the position until his retirement in was elected mayor of Spelthorne in 2002 and again in tribute, Spelthorne Borough Council leader Joanne Sexton said Mr Sider was a "true local legend". 'Mr Shepperton' Mr Sider held a number of community roles, including governor at The Matthew Arnold School in Staines, president of Spelthorne Schools Sports Association and chair of a scout group in 2014, he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Shepperton was also made an honorary aldermen of the borough of Spelthorne in 2023 for his service and dedication to Spelthorne, the council Sexton said Mr Sider was a "true champion for Shepperton and Spelthorne".She said: "Even after stepping down from his role, his passion never faded as he continued to support local groups and good causes with the same warmth and generosity that defined him."His legacy will live on in the community he loved so much."Council chief executive, Daniel Mouawad, added: "He was to many, Mr Shepperton."The council's flag will be flown at half-mast in tribute.
