17 December 1999
Local government minister Hilary Armstrong highlighted five main themes. These include 'ensuring public services are responsive to the needs of citizens' and making certain that policy-making is 'more joined-up'.
Announcing the guidance in the House of Commons on December 14, Armstrong said Best Value would 'drive up standards, encourage innovation and promote competition' when it becomes law on April 1.
The guidance followed consultation with organisations in the public and private sectors.
Also this week, the Audit Commission unveiled further details of how it will co-ordinate its audit and inspection work under Best Value. Its booklet, Best Assured, said the commission's inspection service would be managed through four regions in England and an office in Wales.
Wendy Thomson, director of inspection, said: 'To ensure the inspection service works, it is important that key players in Best Value share an understanding of their respective roles.'
PFdec1999
