Spot checks mooted for local authorities

Councils could be subject to unannounced inspections or investigations triggered by dissatisfied users or partners.

Government proposals suggest moving away from scheduled inspections for authorities in order to focus on poor performers. They cover the remit of a new local services inspectorate, to be launched in 2008, which will assume the Audit Commission’s responsibilities for leading Supporting People inspectors.

The inspectorate will not assess children’s services or adult social care.