Best Value

Michael Gove
To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how the Comprehensive Area Assessment will differ from the Comprehensive Performance Assessment and Best Value.

Mr. Woolas
Unlike the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) which was established to bring together views on the current performance of a local authority, the new risk assessment will look at risk and will focus more on areas rather than just institutions. The risk assessment will be undertaken jointly by all local services inspectorates and will be the primary source for determining future inspection programmes allowing a better targeted, more proportionate approach. The majority of existing rolling programmes of inspection will cease during 2008-09.

Under best value local authorities are required to secure continuous improvement in they way they exercise their functions having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. Evidence of how well authorities complied with or achieved best value was considered as part of CPA and will continue under the new CAA. The Audit Commission will continue to have powers to inspect under Best Value, with any inspection in future being triggered by the risk assessment.