"It is still early days, but we hope that a partnership between the council and private company would allow us to secure the significant new investment needed to raise the standards of our property portfolio, " he said.

BBC: Anglesey council examines private firm plan for repairs

The plan would have seen the council and trust working with a private company to centralise certain services, including IT support and payments.

BBC: Tower Block at the Royal Cornwall Hospital

Any private company tempted to bid for a contract from a local council, meanwhile, will have subtly different priorities.

BBC: Sexual healthcare 'at risk from NHS changes'