10 August 2001
An evaluation of eight pilot inspections by consultants KPMG showed widespread support for the corporation's decision not to award ratings in the way that the Audit Commission's Best Value inspectorate rates councils' housing departments.
'Given that inspection forms just a part of the corporation's regulatory regime, there is less need for a numerical rating,' says the report, published on August 6.
KPMG said inspectors should concentrate on quality and improvement, and lead regulators on compliance issues. The focus of inspections should be more clearly identified during pre-inspection planning and there should be greater clarity over the criteria used.
PFaug2001