Section 36: Grants in connection with designation for service excellence
58.This power will enable grant to be paid to best value authorities subject to any of the best value duties in sections 3 to 6 of the Local Government Act 1999, in relation to expenses they have incurred in applying for the award of a designation based on excellence in the provision of services. Where a best value authority subject to any of the relevant duties is awarded such designation the power will also enable grant to be paid as a reward for such designation and in relation to expenses incurred or to be incurred by the authority in disseminating information about best practices.
59.In England this power could be used to pay grant to best value authorities subject to the relevant duties that apply for or are awarded beacon status under the Government’s Beacon Council Scheme. Beacon council grants are currently paid by the Secretary of State under the wide general Special Grant making power in section 88B of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.