local authorities

Adoption : national minimum standards : regulations, voluntary adoption agencies, local authorities, England and Wales

Document setting out the regulations and national minimum standards which apply to local authority adoption services and voluntary adoption agencies in England and Wales. These regulations and standards form the basis of the new regulatory framework under the 2000 Act for the regulation of adoption agencies in England and Wales.

Housing associations and home adaptations: making it work smoothly

This research and development project aimed to assist housing associations and local authorities to establish fair, efficient and effective arrangements for carrying out home adaptations. The report covers legislation and funding policy on adaptations; barriers to effective partnership, which included uncertainty about the law and guidance, structural factors and poor communications; and setting up an adaptation agreement.

The audit of best value and community planning South Ayrshire council

Report that reflects the picture available at the time the main audit work was conducted between August and October 2008. The Commission is concerned to note the position at South Ayrshire as set out in the Controller of Audit’s report.

The council has made limited progress towards delivering best value and faces severe financial pressures which pose significant risks and which will make it more challenging for the council to make the improvements needed.

The audit of best value and community planning: Aberdeen city council progress report

When the Accounts Commission published its findings on the Best Value audit on Aberdeen City Council in May 2008 following a public hearing, it requested a further report from the Controller of Audit in 12 months’ time. In this progress report, the Commission is encouraged by the prompt and decisive action taken by the council, and taking into account the timescale, commends the council on its progress across a range of activity.

Looked-after children: third report of session 2008-09: volume II: oral and written evidence

Provides the detailed oral and written evidence presented to the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee session on looked after children. The session aimed to investigate the performance of the care system in England, consider whether the Governments proposals for reform were soundly based, and to find out whether the Care Matters programme would be effective in helping looked after children. A summary of the findings are provided in Volume I.