Three years on since Slough Borough Council declared bankruptcy in July 2021, the local authority continues to struggle with its finances.

Slough was among a small number of local authorities who requested exceptional financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was found to have "failed in numerous ways to comply with its Best Value Duty".

By late 2021, the Secretary of State had assigned commissioners to monitor the council's finances.

In 2023, after a series of reports, it was found that "significant challenges remain which will require sustained improvement", however, the progress being made by the Council was noted.

The government have now released their fourth - and most recent - report on the council's finances.

It reads: "The pace of improvement has been insufficient and inconsistent given the stage of the intervention and that consideration should now be given to the nature of the intervention beyond its current timeline."

Despite this, there was been "much activity and progress" in some areas, including in children's social care and SEND,

However, progress has been "inconsistent" and the council remains "fragile" with "many difficult decisions" ahead.

The report noted that the new council administration has "landed relatively well" but the political stability of the council remains a risk.

"Members and Officers have worked well together to identify savings, in order to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 and the Medium Term."

The report added: "It would be good to see some more examples of cross-party working in the interests of whole council recovery."

Residents have "lost confidence" in the council and will need to "work hard around engagement and transparency to win back the trust", it added. Council staff morale has also been noted as "low".

Further on in the report, it is concluded: "The lack of strategic drive and overall pace throws into question the strength of leadership within the organisation at this pivotal time and indicates that Government intervention will be needed after the current intervention timeline."

It is now being assessed whether the council will need further intervention and aid come November 2024, with a request having been put to the council commissioners for a fifth report by April. 

Slough Borough Council have said they have "welcomed" the report.

Leader of the council, Dexter Smith, said: “We thank the commissioners for their continued support, and I was personally pleased to read their positive comments about the new administration. 

“We are committed to continuing to drive the changes needed, and to ensure that it focuses on the priorities of residents.” 

Stephen Brown, chief executive, added: “We have come a long way since the initial intervention, and I am pleased to see the commissioners’ letter points to some progress. 

“However, I also recognise the very real challenges highlighted, and the absolute need to continue our focus on achieving financial stability, address issues with the culture of the organisation, and increase the overall pace of progress.  

“We remain committed to building on the work we have done in the months since the letter was drafted, and to prioritising recovery and we are making further critical investment in order to drive the changes the council and the town need to see. I am confident that these will have had a positive impact by the time of the commissioners’ next report in April.”