South Somerset District Council has appointed a partnership co-ordinator to support the district/county committee set up last year. The Committee is made up of 8 locally elected members from the District and County councils. Local people, Police and MPs take part in the discussions which cover issues such as the Crime and Disorder Act, Best Value and Planning Gain. 

The move to joined up government has taken a step forward with the agreement by two watchdogs on how to work together. Local authorities, who pay out some benefits, are monitored by the Audit Commission who appoint auditors to promote improvements in their services. The Benefits agency has its own Benefits Fraud Inspectorate charged with countering fraud and improving standards.
Managing housing and council tax benefit fall clearly within the remit of the Commission and the Inspectorate.