(1)In section 13 of the Local Government Act 1999 (c. 27) (reports by Audit Commission relating to best value authorities), after subsection (4) insert—
“(4A)If a report relates to any extent to the administration of housing benefit or council tax benefit and the Commission thinks fit to do so, it shall as soon as reasonably practicable send a copy of the report to the Secretary of State.”
(2)In section 139D of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (c. 5) (power of Secretary of State to give directions following report), in subsection (1), after paragraph (ba) insert—
“(bb)a copy of a report has been sent to a local authority under subsection (3) of section 13 of the Local Government Act 1999 and to the Secretary of State under subsection (4A) of that section;”.