Private sector involvement in public services has provoked numerous rows as Tony Blair battles to transform Britain's education and health provision. Lower profile, but no less contentious, is the debate on how to improve outcomes for looked-after children.
Reducing placement moves and keeping children within their local area are seen as key factors in improving life chances, so in this context, last week's news that Kent County Council is "pointing out that it's poor practice to place children away from home" may not seem that controversial.
But it has provoked a furious backlash from independent fostering agencies, which say the council's actions are working to the detriment of looked-after children (Children Now, 25-31 May).
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