Local Government Act 1999 (c. 27)

Part I U.K. Best Value

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. I modified (18.11.2003 so far as relating to E. and so far as relating to a best value authority in W. mentioned in s. 101(7), 27.11.2003 so far as relating to a best value authority in W., other than one mentioned in s. 101(7)) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 101, 128(3)(b), 128(4)(c), 128(5), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 2(b) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

General E+W+S

F1 21 Transition from compulsory competitive tendering to best value. E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 21 repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(v)(i)

22 Audit Commission. E+W+S

F2 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F3 (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F4 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F5 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F6 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 22(1) omitted (4.4.2014) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 10 para. 7; S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(c)

F3 S. 22(2) repealed (18.11.2003) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), s. 128(6), Sch. 8 Pt. 1; S.I. 2003/2938, art. 2(h)(iii) (with art. 8 Sch.)

F4 S. 22(3)-(6) repealed (1.4.2015) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 2; S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(a) (with arts. 5-8, Sch.) (as amended (27.6.2016) by S.I. 2016/675, art. 2)

F5 S. 22(7) repealed (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 4; S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F6 S. 22(8) repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(v)(i)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 22 wholly in force at 1.4.2000; s. 22 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27; s. 22 in force (E.) at 27.9.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 27.9.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(2), Sch. 2; s. 22 in force (W.) at 1.4.2000 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2

23 Accounts. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations about the keeping of accounts by best value authorities.

(2) The regulations may—

(a) require accounts and statements of accounts to be prepared, kept and certified in such form or manner as the regulations may specify;

(b) require accounts to be deposited at such places as the regulations may specify;

(c) require the publication of information about accounts and of statements of accounts;

(d) make provision (which may include provision requiring the payment of fees) entitling specified classes of person to inspect and to make or receive copies of specified documents.

(3) The regulations may—

(a) make provision in relation to best value authorities generally or in relation to one or more particular authorities;

(b) make different provision for different cases.

(4) [F7 Before making regulations under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must consult—

F8 (za) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F9 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) the authorities concerned or persons appearing to him to represent them, and

(c) such bodies of accountants as appear to him to be appropriate.]

(5) If—

(a) a person contravenes a provision of regulations under subsection (1) without reasonable excuse, and

(b) the regulations declare that contravention of the provision is an offence,

the person is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6) Any expenses incurred by an auditor F10 ... in connection with proceedings in respect of an offence under subsection (5) which is alleged to have been committed in relation to the accounts of an authority are recoverable from the authority so far as they are not recovered from any other source.

[F11 (7) In subsection (6), “auditor” means [F12 a local auditor appointed in accordance with the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 or provision made under it] F13 ... to audit the best value authority's accounts.]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 23(4) omitted (E.) (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), s. 115(3)(l), Sch. 22 para. 14(1)

F8 S. 23(4)(za) omitted (22.11.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 246; S.I. 2012/2892, art. 2(i)

F9 S. 23(4)(a) omitted (1.4.2015) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 12 para. 36(2); S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(x) (with Sch. para. 2) (as amended (27.6.2016) by S.I. 2016/675, art. 2)

F10 Words in s. 23(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 8 para. 21(3), Sch. 18 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(e)(i)(v)

F11 S. 23(7) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 8 para. 21(4); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(e)

F12 Words in s. 23(7) substituted (1.4.2015) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 12 para. 36(3); S.I. 2015/841, art. 3(x) (with Sch. para. 2) (as amended (27.6.2016) by S.I. 2016/675, art. 2)

F13 Words in s. 23(7) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 3), s. 35(2), Sch. 4 para. 13 (with Sch. 3 para. 3); S.I. 2013/1466, art. 3(1)

Commencement Information

I2 S. 23 wholly in force at 1.10.1999; s. 23 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27; s. 23(4) in force (E.) at 10.8.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 10.8.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 2(2), Sch. 1; s. 23(1)-(3)(5)(6) in force (E.) at 27.9.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 27.9.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(2), Sch. 2; s. 23 in force (W.) at 1.10.1999 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2

24 Police Act 1996. E+W

(1) Section 8(2) of the M1 Police Act 1996 (local policing plans) shall be amended by—

(a) the omission of the word “and” after paragraph (b), and

(b) the insertion of the following after paragraph (c)—

“, and

(d) any action proposed for the purpose of complying with the requirements of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 (best value).”

(2) In section 54 of that Act (inspectors of constabulary) after subsection (2) there shall be inserted—

“(2A) The inspectors of constabulary may inspect, and report to the Secretary of State on, a police authority’s compliance with the requirements of Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 (best value).”

F14 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 24(3) repealed (23.12.2004) by Police Reform Act 2002 (c. 30), s. 108(2), Sch. 8; S.I. 2004/3338, art. 3(c)(iv)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 24 wholly in force at 1.4.2000; s. 24 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27; s. 24(1) in force at 27.9.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(1); s. 24(2)(3) in force at 1.4.2000 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 4(1)

Marginal Citations

M1 1996 c.16.

25 Coordination of inspections, &c. E+W

(1) In arranging for or carrying out—

(a) inspections of best value authorities, or

(b) inquiries or investigations in relation to best value authorities,

a person or body to whom this section applies shall have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State for the purposes of securing the coordination of different kinds of inspection, inquiry and investigation.

(2) This section applies to—

[F15 (a) an inspector or assistant inspector appointed under section 10(1) or (2);]

F16 [F17 (aa)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) an inspector, assistant inspector or other officer appointed under section 24(1) of the M2 Fire Services Act 1947 (inspectors of fire brigades);

[F18 (c) Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills;]

F19 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F20 (e) the [F21 Care Quality Commission];]

(h) a person authorised under section 139A(1) of the M3 Social Security Administration Act 1992 (reports on administration of housing benefit and council tax benefit);

(i) an inspector appointed under section 54 of the Police Act 1996 (inspectors of constabulary).

(3) The Secretary of State may by order provide for this section to apply to a person or body specified in the order.

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 25(2)(a) substituted (4.4.2014) by Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 10 para. 8; S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(c)

F16 S. 25(2)(aa) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 3), s. 35(2), Sch. 4 para. 14 (with Sch. 3 para. 3); S.I. 2013/1466, art. 3(1)

F17 S. 25(2)(aa) inserted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 1 para. 15; S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

F18 S. 25(2)(c) substituted (1.4.2007) by Education and Inspections Act 2006 (c. 40), s. 188(3), Sch. 14 para. 37; S.I. 2007/935, art. 5(gg)

F19 S. 25(2)(d) repealed (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 20, Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2)

F20 S. 25(2)(e) substituted for s. 25(2)(e)-(g) (15.1.2007 for E.) by Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003 (c. 43), s. 199(1)(4), Sch. 9 para. 15; S.I. 2006/3397, art. 5

F21 Words in s. 25(2)(e) substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care Act 2008 (c. 14), s. 170(3)(4), Sch. 5 para. 70; S.I. 2009/462, art. 2(1), Sch. 1 para. 35(x)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 25(2) modified (temp.) (1.10.2008) by The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Consequential Amendments and Transitory Provisions) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/2250), arts. 1(1), 3(8)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 25 wholly in force at 27.7.2000; s. 25 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27; s. 25 in force (E.) at 27.9.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 27.9.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(2), Sch. 2; s. 25(1)(2)(a)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)(3) in force (W.) at 1.10.1999 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2; s. 25 in force at 27.7.2000 in so far as not already in force see s. 27

Marginal Citations

M2 1947 c.41.

M3 1992 c.5.

26 Guidance. E+W

(1) This section has effect in relation to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under this Part.

(2) The Secretary of State—

(a) may issue guidance to or in respect of F22 ... authorities generally or to or in respect of one or more particular authorities;

(b) may issue different guidance to or in respect of different authorities;

(c) must, before he issues guidance, consult the authorities concerned or persons appearing to him to represent them;

(d) must arrange for guidance to be published.

F23 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F24 [F25 (3A)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) Before issuing guidance under section 25 the Secretary of State shall, in addition to the consultation required by subsection (2)(c) above, consult the persons or bodies concerned.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 26(2)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 7 para. 2(5), Sch. 18 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(a)(i)(v)

F23 S. 26(3) omitted (4.4.2014) by virtue of Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 (c. 2), s. 49(1), Sch. 10 para. 9; S.I. 2014/900, art. 2(c)

F24 S. 26(3A) omitted (1.4.2014) by virtue of Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013 (anaw 3), s. 35(2), Sch. 4 para. 15 (with Sch. 3 para. 3); S.I. 2013/1466, art. 3(1)

F25 S. 26(3A) inserted (1.4.2005) by Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (c. 23), s. 73, Sch. 1 para. 16; S.I. 2005/558, art. 2, Sch. 1

Commencement Information

I5 S. 26 wholly in force at 1.10.1999; s. 26 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27; s. 26(2)(c)(3)(4) in force (E.) at 10.8.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 10.8.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 2(2), Sch. 1; s. 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(d) in force (E.) at 27.9.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 27.9.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 3(2), Sch. 2; s. 26 in force (W.) at 1.10.1999 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2

27 Commencement. E+W

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), sections 1 to 20 and 22 to 26 shall come into force at the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order provide for—

(a) any of sections 1 to 13, 15, 19, 20, 22, 23, 25 and 26 to be brought into force in relation to England before the time appointed by subsection (1);

(b) any of those sections, in so far as it relates to an authority falling within section 1(1)(d) or (e), to be brought into force in relation to Wales before that time;

(c) any of sections 14, 16 to 18 and 24 to be brought into force before that time.

(3) The National Assembly for Wales may by order provide for any of the sections mentioned in subsection (2)(a), except in so far as it relates to an authority falling within section 1(1)(d) or (e), to be brought into force in relation to Wales before the time appointed by subsection (1).

(4) An order under subsection (2) or (3) may appoint different days for different purposes.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 27(2)(4) power partly exercised (28.7.1999): different dates appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 1999/2169, arts. 2, 3, 4, Sch. 1, Sch. 2, Sch. 3

P2 S. 27(2)(a) power partly exercised: 3.7.2000 appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 2000/1724, art. 2

P3 S. 27(3)(4) power partly exercised (28.9.1999): different dates appointed for specified provisions by S.I. 1999/2815, arts. 2, 3

28 Orders and regulations. E+W

(1) An order or regulations under this Part—

(a) shall be made by statutory instrument, and

(b) may include supplementary, incidental, consequential and transitional provisions.

(2) An order under section F26 ... 4, F27 ... F28 ... or 25, and regulations under section 15 or 23, shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Textual Amendments

F26 Word in s. 28(2) omitted (26.5.2015) by virtue of Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 103(2)(a), 115(3)(l)

F27 Word in s. 28(2) repealed (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 8; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(v)(i)

F28 Words in s. 28(2) repealed (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 21, Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2)

29 Modifications for Wales. E+W

[F29 (1) This section has effect for the purposes of the application of this Part in relation to Wales, F30 ....

(1A) For each reference to the Secretary of State in sections F31 ... 19, F31 ... there shall be substituted a reference to the Welsh Ministers.]

[F32 (2A) [F33 Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to section 13A(4A).]]

F34 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F35 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F36 (5) In section 19(3) and (3A) for each reference to each House, or either House, of Parliament there shall be substituted a reference to the National Assembly for Wales.

F37 (6)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 29(1)(1A) substituted for s. 29(1)(2) (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 8 para. 22(2); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(e)

F30 Words in s. 29(1) omitted (22.11.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 247; S.I. 2012/2892, art. 2(i)

F31 Words in s. 29(1A) repealed (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(a), Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2)

F32 S. 29(2A) inserted (1.4.2008) by Welfare Reform Act 2007 (c. 5), ss. 38(2), 70(2); S.I. 2008/411, art. 2(3)(a)

F33 S. 29(2A) repealed (W.) (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(b), Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2) and s. 29(2A) repealed (1.4.2013 for specified purposes) by Welfare Reform Act 2012 (c. 5), s. 150(3), Sch. 14 Pt. 1; S.I. 2013/358, art. 8(c), Sch. 4 (with arts. 9 10 Sch. 5)

F34 S. 29(3) repealed (30.12.2007) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(2), Sch. 18 Pt. 8

F35 S. 29(4) repealed (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(b), Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2)

F36 S. 29(5)(6) inserted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 8 para. 22(4); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(e)

F37 S. 29(6) repealed (1.4.2010) by Local Government (Wales) Measure 2009 (nawm 2), s. 53(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(b), Sch. 4; S.I. 2009/3272, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 (with art. 3(2)-(5)) (as amended (8.9.2010) by S.I. 2010/2237, art. 2)