So, Malvern Town Council are to consider contracting out some services

"because others are doing it" (Malvern Gazette, September 14).

As a consultant to several companies and local authorities engaged in contracting out services and/or bidding to provide them, I feel able to contribute some advice. If the council believe others can provide the services better, or at better value, then contracting may be the answer.

To do it because others are doing it is foolish - and is likely to be a waste of my money (I am a town council tax-payer).

However, be aware that contracting out is hard work, and it has its costs.

The service provided will only be as good as the contract. A good contract

takes time and skill to produce. Then, any staff currently doing the work will have to be consulted before transfer to the winning contractor.

The contract will need to be managed. As a taxpayer, I need assurance that someone will be checking, regularly, that the work is being done properly. And remember, a contractor will do only what is in the contract.

Anything else costs more (and usually at higher rates, too).

My advice to Malvern Town Council is to get your basic act together before

you start spending more money on contracting out ideas.

Derek Tunnicliffe, St Ann's Road, Malvern.