Deputy prime minister John Prescott has confirmed that council housing departments will be put out to tender if they fail Best Value inspections
Local government chiefs warned the secretary of state only to intervene as a last resort, as protocols governing his powers were finally published.

Prescott will have extra powers to intervene in urgent cases "where the severity or persistence of failure, or the continuing risk of harm or financial loss, show that urgent intervention is necessary."

Other triggers for intervention include failing to meet performance standards, persistently high costs, failing to improve standards or failing to draw up and implement a new action plan following a critical inspection report.

Under the protocols, which are still being debated in Parliament, Prescott has the power to amend Best Value performance plans, securing the advice of consultants on the housing service, holding a local enquiry, or offering other landlords the chance to run the service.

Housing minister Hilary Armstrong said the protocols clarified the intervention procedures. "However, if the Best Value framework is embraced by all local authorities the need for intervention by the secretary of state will be minimal."

The Local Government Association stressed that control must be returned to councils as soon as possible after intervention. Chairman Sir Jeremy Beecham said: "Intervention must always be a last resort."

Source

Housing Today