Commentary Part 8 – Inspections Chapter 4 – Inspection and review of Local Authorities in England Section 135: Functions to which this Chapter applies and related activities
581.Chapter 4 makes provision for the Chief Inspector to undertake inspections and annual reviews of the performance of local authorities’ functions, and sets out which of those functions are within the Chief Inspector’s remit for these purposes. The functions within the Chief Inspector’s remit are those listed in paragraphs (a) to (e) of subsection (1), and such other functions as may be prescribed by regulations by the Secretary of State under subsection (1)(f). The functions under the Children Act 2004 mentioned in subsection (1)(c) include the appointment of a director and lead member for children’s services. The Chief Inspector’s powers of inspection and review include powers in relation to the exercise by local authorities of their general powers to promote the economic and social well-being of their areas under the Local Government Act 2000 (see the definition of “related activity” in subsections (2) to (4)).