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Best Value
Best value is about ensuring local people receive the best services possible at the best price. It is a duty owed by the council to the local community. Best value covers all aspects of the council and legislation calls for continuous improvement in all services, so the quest for better performance at lower cost never ceases.
The provisions in Part I of the Local Government Act 1999 require that all services be:
- Responsive to the needs of citizens
- Of a high quality and cost effective
- Fair and accessible to all who need them
The council is required to make arrangements for securing continuous service improvement, with regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The council reviews its functions to ensure that the services provided are what the local community wants and values. These fundamental service reviews are conducted through a process which:
- Challenges why, how and by whom a service is provided.
- Compares our performance with other councils and service providers, taking in to account the views of service users and potential suppliers.
- Consults service users, the public, local businesses, staff and community organisations as to their experience of local services and their aspirations for the future.
- Uses fair and open competition wherever necessary as a means of securing efficient and effective services.
Each fundamental service review gives full consideration to each of these elements, and result in measurable targets being set for service improvement. Action plans are implemented and monitored, to ensure that improvements are delivered and best value is achieved.
North Hertfordshire District Council commenced a fundamental service review programme in 2000 and has completed 26 Best Value Fundamental Service Reviews .
These inspection reports are available from the Audit Commission
If you would like further information relating to best value and the fundamental service review process, please call the Performance Team on 01462 474000 or email service@north-herts.gov.uk.
Best Value Performance Plan
Each year North Hertfordshire District Council is required to publish a Best Value Performance Plan (BVPP) to include key performance information.
The Audit Commission will audit the BVPP and provide NHDC with an annual audit letter.
A BVPI can be 'qualified' if not reported correctly. This means we would not be able to quote the data in any publications. Many qualifications can lead to the whole BVPP being qualified.
Full details of Best Value Performance Plans