The Local Government Act 1999 received Royal Assent in the summer of this year, creating a framework for "Best Value in local government management. All local authorities, and other authorities defined under the Act, will be subject to Best Value from April 2000 and there is now a real need for all those affected to understand the legal implications of the profound changes they face. "Best Value, the Government's proposed set of principles on running local authorities is underpinned by detailed legal regulation and places a duty to deliver continuous improvement to services. Each council will be expected to consult service users and others, set targets and publish both targets and results annually. There will be inspections of Best Value authorities to ensure compliance. Where councils fall short of acceptable standards the secretary of state has the power to intervene including, in serious cases, having authority to transfer responsibility from a local authority to a government nominee. This book, the first introductory guide available, meets the need for a general guide to the legal implications of best value for all personnel whose institutions are affected by the regime. Written as a concise, practical guide to the subject Best Value: Law and Management sets out the legal implications but also addresses what needs to be done to comply with the regime and contains valuable "healthcheck and "performance indicator material. Contains all the relevant regulations and regulatory guidance introduced in December 1999, together with commentary - this is essential information needed for a proper understanding of the full implications of the legislation; includes The Local Government Act 1999. An invaluable guide for local authority lawyers, fire and police authorities, the public sector housing and external contractors who wish to deal with local government. Available on 28 days' approval.