19 April 2002
Tensions surfaced this week after the drafting of a report of the group's findings by local government minister Nick Raynsford.
In the report, Raynsford highlights 'key points' that have to be resolved for Best Value to work properly, including balancing 'quality and cost', 'obstacles to joint working' between the sectors and 'better use' of staff.
However, the report was immediately criticised for being short on specifics, prompting fears that the government is preparing to water down any final proposals.
'The government has to challenge local government to deliver Best Value. That's what is missing in a direct manner from this draft report,' said one member, who preferred to remain anonymous. The source added that concrete proposals were needed on council procurement and the delivery of services, as well as the vexed issue of employment rights, if Best Value was really going to be made to work from business's point of view.
The Best Value Review Group included representatives from Unison, GMB, the T&G, the Local Government Association, the CBI, the Business Services Association and Accord.
Finding a conciliatory path will be difficult. The GMB warned this week that if ministers 'sided' with the private sector on the issue of the two-tier workforce, there 'would be war'. A spokesman said: 'The days of us putting up with this have gone.'
In the report, Raynsford said the recent intervention by Local Government Secretary Stephen Byers to resolve the workforce issue 'will be key to the success of the overall package'.
The government is expected to make a final announcement on the review later this summer.
PFapr2002
