Background

In October 2006, the government released its White Paper on public sector reform, Strong and Prosperous Communities (external link). The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (external link, PDF) put much of this in place.

This sets out the new local performance framework within which the development of CAA is one key element.

In April 2007, government departments commissioned seven inspectorates (PDF, 180Kb) to work together to develop and introduce CAA. They were also charged with making any other changes they saw necessary in order to implement the White Paper and to produce more coordinated and better targeted inspection and assessment.

The seven partner inspectorates are working together and with stakeholders to refine an approach to a final CAA framework and our working arrangements to deliver a truly joint assessment. We are using a series of consultation documents and events, reference groups, public feedback and trialling to achieve this.

Early discussion papers on the future of local public services

• The future of regulation on the public sector - discussion paper – March 2006; and
• Assessment of local services beyond 2008 - discussion paper – August 2006.