Best value is a performance framework introduced by the Government in 1999. It requires local authorities to deliver services to clear standards by the most economic, efficient and effective means available. Authorities are expected to achieve continuous improvement in all their services. The poorest performing authorities are to reach the performance of the best within five years.
There are two main parts to best value for local authorities:
- Best value performance planning (BVPP) monitors and reports performance against national and locally defined standards and targets. It sets out future priorities and targets for improvement
- Fundamental best value reviews (BVRs) of all services must identify what needs to be improved, and how to do it
This report focuses on best value in the 410 councils in England and Wales. It also looks at the role of other agencies and government in helping and challenging councils to achieve best value. In particular, it looks at the Commission's involvement with best value - the external auditors it appoints to review and report on each authority's BVPP and the Audit Commission Inspection Service that examines their services and BVRs to see how they measure up to requirements.
All councils published their second BVPP in 2001. Around 3,000 reviews have been completed and 600 inspection reports produced (of which 300 have been published). This report evaluates what progress has been made 18 months after the new regime took effect. It draws together evidence from a wide range of sources, getting below the headlines to see what is happening on the ground.