06 January 2006
James Strachan is to leave the Audit Commission later this month following controversy over last month's Comprehensive Performance Assessment results, it has been announced.
The outspoken chair of the local government watchdog will stand down from his post on January 23 after three years in the job. Deputy chair Sir Michael Lyons, who is conducting an inquiry for the government into the role of local government, will become acting chair from that date until a permanent replacement can be found.
Strachan's departure comes after criticisms of the commission were voiced following publication of the CPA results. Many in local government felt that the positive picture overall was obscured by an excessive focus on the results of the value-for-money studies.
The studies, which were just one element of each authority's overall CPA rating, found that half of all local authorities were only meeting the minimum standard required.
One senior local government source told Public Finance that the disgruntlement, which had been felt by some of the watchdog's other commissioners, had contributed to Strachan's departure. The results were 'sexed up to try to get a headline', the source said.
'It was very discouraging for the hundreds of thousands of staff who have worked so hard on the improvement agenda.'
The official line on Strachan's departure was that he had decided to leave the commission to pursue other activities.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, revealing the news on December 20, said it was 'with regret' that he was announcing Strachan's departure.
'Under his leadership over the past three years, the Audit Commission has successfully delivered the Comprehensive Performance Assessment for local government and fire and rescue authorities and it is contributing to the improvement of financial management of the NHS,' Prescott added.
In a statement issued through the Audit Commission, Strachan said: 'This is my personal decision after five years in the public sector, three at the commission, to devote my time to expanding my private and voluntary sector portfolio.'
The position, which is appointed jointly by the deputy prime minister and the health secretary, will be filled through open competition and is expected to be advertised shortly.
PFjan2006
