Local Government Act 1999
Act creating the Best Value duty and ministers' powers to intervene in councils.
The Local Government Act 1999 sets England's Best Value duty and gives ministers powers to inspect and intervene when covered authorities fail it.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026
Timeline for Local Government Act 1999
Mentioned in: Bedford council set to get commissioners
UK Local Elections 2026Mentioned in: Tees Valley faces Best Value inspection
UK Local Elections 2026Background
Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 provides the Best Value framework for English local authorities and other specified English public bodies. Section 3 requires them to improve continuously how they exercise their functions, with regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Section 10 lets the Secretary of State appoint an inspector to examine a Best Value authority's compliance. Section 11 gives that inspector access to premises, documents and information. Section 15 permits ministerial intervention when an authority fails the duty, including directions affecting how its functions are exercised. Together, these sections connect the improvement duty to investigation and external control of public functions.
How can ministers inspect a council under the 1999 Act?
What is the Best Value duty?
What does the Local Government Act 1999 do?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.