Cynicism over CPA

11 Jul 02
Just one in four local authorities believes that it will be granted greater financial freedoms as a result of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment framework, research has revealed.

12 July 2002

A joint survey, by Zurich Municipal and the Local Government Association, shows that 42% of chief executives and councillors do not believe that the CPA, the controversial replacement for Best Value, will result in greater financial autonomy. A further 33% of respondents are unsure.

One in eight say they could face outside intervention as a result of their CPA inspections, an illustration of the significant fears that the proposed system has aroused.

The survey also shows a widespread belief that the CPA will lead to more services being outsourced, with 83% saying they expect this trend to increase over the next five years.

Zurich Municipal director Clive Moulson said the survey illustrated councils' move away from their traditional role as service providers.

'It shows a growing realisation that the successful authority of the future could be the one playing a co-ordinating role across a wide range of services,' he added.

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