Best Value is a key element of the Government's programme to modernise local government and places best value authorities under a duty to seek continuous improvement in the way in which they exercise their functions.  The Local Government Act 1999 sets out the legislative framework and the Government provides guidance on performance planning and reviews under best value.

However, this will be the last year for collecting indicators under Best Value Performance Plan as we now move towards the new National Indicators. For more information about the new performance framework which shifts from Comprehensive Performance Assessement (CPA) to Comprehensive Area Assessement (CAA) please visit the Audit Commission and the Communities and Local Government website.

Introduction

'Best Value' was introduced by the Government in 1999 and is an initiative that has become a key part of the national programme to modernise local government and improve public services.  The requirement to deliver Best Value requires councils to "make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way its functions are exercised, having regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness."  It helps local authorities improve by asking some fundamental questions:

• Are we providing the services that the community wants and needs?
• Are we providing quality services?
• Are we providing value for money?
• Could these services be provided differently?

Best Value requires councils to seek an optimum balance between cost and quality in everything they do, and continuously improve the way they deliver services.

Best Value Performance Plan

We have to produce a Best Value Performance Plan by 30th June each year, that sets out how well the Council has performed and its plans and targets for the future. 

The Best Value Performance Plan for 2008 and the previous four years can be found by clicking on the links below.

Download the Best Value Performance Plan 2008 (PDF version)

Download the Best Value Performance Plan 2007 (PDF version)

Download the Best Value Performance Plan 2006 (PDF version)

Download the Best Value Performance Plan 2005 (PDF version)

Download the Best Value Performance Plan 2004 (PDF version)

Further information

Telephone: The Consultation and Performance Officer on 01372 732000
email: contactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk