Draft Circular on Best Value and Performance Improvement

The government recently published a draft circular on best value and performance improvement. It proposes some amendments to the guidance on best value but there are no surprises.

The draft circular reminds local authorities that they should measure their progress in achieving best value against four key building blocks:

• Ownership of problems and willingness to change
• A focus on what matters
• The capacity and systems to deliver performance and improvement
• Integration of best value into day to day management

Key issues in the draft circular include:

• Shared priorities - the government has agreed a set of shared priorities with the Local Government Association which local authorities should reflect in their approach to best value. These are: -

• Raising standards across our schools;
• Improving the quality of life of children, young people and families at risk and of older people by enabling them to live independent lives;
• Promoting healthier communities and narrowing health inequalities;
• Transforming the local environment;
• Meeting local transport needs more effectively; and
• Promoting the economic vitality of localities.

• The broad principles of best value (the four C’s) remain but consulting with staff will become a formal statutory requirement. The government also feels that best value needs to focus more on improving services.

• In terms of “competition” local authorities are expected to undertake a detailed appraisal of all options for service delivery, rather than simply market testing.

• The government accepts that best value cannot be delivered without a well-trained and motivated workforce. In particular it says that where services are outsourced TUPE should apply unless there are exceptional reasons and that where it doesn’t apply the principles should be followed and staff should be treated no less favourably. The government has also announced a package of measures to protect and build on the quality of workforces.

• The government recognises the difficulties associated with effective challenge and promotes the involvement of elected members and third party involvement in best value reviews.

Further details from the Policy and Review team. A copy of the draft circular can be viewed at www.local-regions.odpm.gov.uk