Thurrock Council - 'Our Environment' Audit 2001

Thurrock Council'Our Environment' September 2001Best Value InspectionVersion: FinalThurrock Council – 'Our Environment'Best ValueThe Government has placed a duty of best value on local authoritiesto deliver services to clear standards – of cost and quality – by themost economic, efficient and effective means available. Best value isa challenging new performance framework that requires authorities topublish annual best value performance plans and review all theirservices every five years.From 1st April 2000, best value authorities are conducting best valuereviews for all their functions over a five-year cycle. The AuditCommission has the responsibility for inspecting these reviews todetermine whether authorities have complied with the requirementsof the best value legislation and associated guidance.Authorities must show that they have applied the 4Cs of best value toevery review: Challenging why and how a service is being provided.! Comparing their performance with others’ (including organisations!in the private and voluntary sectors). Embracing fair competition as a means of securing efficient and!effective services. Consulting with local taxpayers, customers and the wider business!community.Authorities must demonstrate to local people that they are achievingcontinuous improvement in all of their services. The Governmenthas decided that each authority should be scrutinised by anindependent inspectorate, so that the public will know ...