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At the core of Best Value is the idea that the council should look at its services in the light of the “4Cs” – challenge, consult, compete and compare. This page gives details of the context for Best Value, the guidance on the approach used for Best Value including how the council goes about applying the “4Cs”, and details of reviews undertaken to date along with plans for the future.
Best Value Context : National legislation guidance
Best Value is a statutory requirement placed on all local authorities. The Local Government Act 1999 defines the duty of Best Value: “A best value authority must make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness”
The approach to achieving this is set down in Circular 3/03 from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (196kb PDF).
Warwick District Council Best Value Review requirements and guidance
All the council’s Best Value Reviews follow an agreed format. This aims to ensure that reviews follow a rigorous process, meet all the legislative requirements and bring about real improvements to services. Download the BVR Requirements and Guidance (254kb PDF) (this is currently being updated)
Consultation
Warwick District Council is committed to actively consulting and involving the public in improving services. Backed up by a consultation strategy, the council uses a variety of methods of consultation to achieve this. At the heart of the council’s approach to corporate consultation is the Citizens' Panel and the Citizen’s Panel Focus Groups. These are supported by a wide range of consultations relating to specific services. Details of consultation reports and results.
Challenge
As part of its approach to achieving Best Value, the council has systems in place to challenge what it does by asking difficult questions. Key tools for challenging what we do are:
European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model (EFQM)
Every two to three years the Council brings in external assessors to look at how well the council performs in relation to the EFQM Excellence Model. Reports relating to these assessments have been produced in 2000 and 2002.
Comprehensive Performance Assessment
Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is an independent inspection process undertaken by the government to assess the Council’s performance and inform future improvement planning.
Change Board
The council has a Change Board – made up of a group of experienced councillors and the Corporate Management Team. The Change Board provides a challenge to all Best Value Reviews by questioning assumptions.
Competitiveness
Key to the council’s approach to Best Value is ensuring that all services are providing value for money. One of the ways this is done is by assessing opportunities for alternative methods of service provision such as outsourcing or partnership working. The Council’s Procurement Strategy and supporting documents set out how this is done.
Comparisons
Comparing (or benchmarking) our performance and the way we work with other organisations helps the council to improve and to find out how it can achieve “best value” in the services it provides.
Best Value Reviews reports and improvement plans
Warwick District Council has been undertaking Best Value Reviews since 2000. Access details and reports of completed reviews.
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