Programme of best value reviews 2002/03 - 2004/05

Report: 6
Date: 17 January 2002
By: Clerk

Summary

This report proposes a programme of best value reviews to be included in the MPA’s policing and performance plan 2002/03. The paper also summarises the possible impact on the programme of recent government proposals to streamline best value.

A. Recommendations

1. That members consider and approve the programme of best value reviews attached at Appendix 1.
2. That members note the possible impact of government proposals to streamline best value on the programme of reviews.

B. Supporting information

Proposed programme of best value reviews

1. Members will be aware of the need for the MPA to undertake a best value review of all services over the five-year period 2000/01 to 2004/05. The MPA’s current best value review programme is published in its policing and performance plan 2001/02 (page 21) and an updated programme must be published in the MPA’s plan for 2002/03.

2. The review programme is not set in stone and the MPA is able to make changes to the order and/or type of reviews. Consequently, the MPA/MPS best value programme board (chaired by Reshard Auladin) initiated a review of the programme. The board agreed that possible changes to the programme should be assessed against key drivers for change, ie:

• government requirement or expectation;
• serious failings highlighted by HMIC or systematic review;
• consultation with partners highlighted need for earlier review;
• significant capital and/or revenue loss unless change is made;
• harmonise with other best value authorities, agencies or partners.

3. The exercise initially sought to make proposals in line with Mayoral/MPA/MPS efficiency and effectiveness reviews. However, the timing and scope of these reviews remains fluid and it is proposed that, at the time of initiating either type of review, work is done to establish specific links between related reviews.

4. At its meeting on 15 November the MPA/MPS programme board considered options for change and agreed a revised programme of reviews to be presented to FPBV Committee for consideration and approval (attached at Appendix 1). In summary, the proposed changes to the programme previously agreed by the MPA are as follows:

Government proposals to streamline best value

5. The government’s proposals (as outlined in a DTLR white paper) to streamline best value are outlined in report 9 to the Committee. DTLR is looking to implement some proposals before April 2002 and the APA is in discussion with DTLR and the Home Office on the implications for police authorities.

6. As far as the programme of best value reviews is concerned there is an intention to relax the requirement to review all functions over a five-year period. Therefore, it seems likely that the long-term programme of reviews as outlined at Appendix 1 will not be required in future (although required under current legislation and statutory guidelines).

7. In its place best value authorities will be expected to implement a programme of reviews following a ‘comprehensive performance assessment’ conducted by the Audit Commission. In essence, authorities would find themselves in one of two basic positions:

• ‘top performing’ or ‘striving’ authorities would have more discretion over their best value review programme (and a much lighter touch inspection regime);
• ‘coasting’ or ‘poor performing’ authorities will be required to negotiate with the Audit Commission on a programme of best value reviews (focusing on areas of weakness) with a greater degree of prescription, inspection and/or intervention for poor performers.

8. Consequently, the MPA may find itself able to decide on the number and type of best value reviews or have the number and type of reviews prescribed for it. In either case the total number of reviews seems likely to fall.

C. Financial implications

There are no immediate financial implications.

D. Background papers

None.

E. Contact details

Report author: Derrick Norton, MPA best value manager

For information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

Appendix 1
Proposed MPA best value review programme

NB: The programme is based on the current legal requirement to review all functions and government proposals to relax this requirement are currently being debated.

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