Using a private firm to deal with council benefits and tax seemed a good idea at the time.

Brighton and Hove got together with Wealden, Lewes and Tandridge councils and involved the company Capita.

But we were not alone in voicing doubts at the time, which proved justified.

The whole project went pear-shaped as doubts were cast on Capita's performance and on the ability of councils to keep control over the company.

Now Brighton and Hove has ruled out any further move to privatise the benefits service after hearing tales of doom from other councils which have tried it. Often it proves to be more expensive and less efficient.

Private companies can provide skills and expertise which are hard for councils to match. But when it comes to council tax and benefits, it seems that the bureaucrats know best.

There may eventually be economies if councils club together, but there is no chance of this happening in the foreseeable future.