IF YOU need a plumber or electrician or someone to decorate your living room or even someone to put a solar panel in your roof, Kent County Council might not be the first place to go.

But it has emerged the council is adding to its burgeoning commercial activities by establishing a business offering access to painters, decorators, gas engineers, plumbers and plasterers.

The news of KCC's latest business venture has prompted questions from opposition county councillors and comes as it faces increasing hostility from some parts of the business community about its involvement in private enterprise.

KCC insists its arms-length businesses raise much-needed cash to help subsidise important services.

On its website, Inside Out promises customers "an efficient and reliable service with competitive prices and best value for money" and says profits will be invested in frontline services.

Competitive field

But opposition parties expressed surprise at the nature of the enterprise.

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Trudy Dean said: "I have my doubts and have expressed those doubts because this is a very competitive field.

"I was surprised and it goes back to [my concern] about not having a clear idea about what these arms-length companies are for."

Opposition Labour leader Cllr Mike Eddy said: "I have no problem with councils using entrepreneurial initiative to provide services more efficiently, but it would be wrong for KCC's trading arm to benefit from its privileged position as part of a local council in a way that would allow it to undercut Kent's small businesses and sole traders."

However, Cllr Nick Chard (Con), KCC's cabinet member for finance, said Inside Out could help reassure and safeguard those concerned they might be exploited by less scrupulous traders.

Moral duty

He cited the example of "an elderly, frail or vulnerable person" being quoted a large amount to replace a window. "We have a moral duty to make sure that those who are most vulnerable get value for money and can go to a something like Inside Out, where they can take up complaints," he said.

He accepted KCC needed a flexible approach over its businesses. "Where there is no long-term need, then we should get out of it. The fundamental thing is they get value for money."

The county council is poised to agree a budget next week that will incorporate plans to raise about £10million from its companies.