31 August 2007
Residents' satisfaction with services and value for money should be the yardsticks against which local authorities are measured when Comprehensive Area Assessments are introduced in 2009, according to Westminster City Council.
The authority, widely recognised as one of the best in the country, has drawn up a 'blueprint' for the new regime, which it says will allow central government to stand back and leave councils to act in the best interests of their localities.
Chief executive Peter Rogers, who will retire in April next year, said the approach would, however, require all Whitehall departments involved with local services to agree cross-cutting priorities with their service providers, which would then be achieved locally.
Rogers said this was necessary 'so that other sectors such as health recognise the same playing field – and game – as local government. Health and the police cannot be judged on different priorities if this regime is to work'.
He added: 'People don't care who provides services and they are fed up with buck-passing between public sector bodies. It is only possible to satisfy the wishes of local people by listening to them and that means real partnership working across agencies.'
PFaug2007
