Subject: Best Value Audit Report – Best Value Performance Plan 2001/2002
Report Number: 10
Report to: Budget Committee 5 July 2001 Report of: Director of Finance and Performance
1.
1.1
Summary
The District Auditor is required to provide a report on the Mayor’s Best Value Performance Plan (BVPP) under section 7 of the Local Government Act 1999. The report before you includes: The District Auditor’s Best Value Audit Report – BVPP 2001/2002. (Appendix A) The District Auditor’s statutory audit certificate and opinion. (Appendix B)
The Mayor’s response to each of the District Auditor’s recommendations. (Appendix C)
2.
2.1
Background
The Mayor’s Best Value Performance Plan was incorporated in the Mayor’s Annual Report 2001 and distributed in June 2001. The Greater London Authority also joined with the four functional bodies to produce a joint Best Value Performance Plan summary – How Does London Work for You? – which is currently being distributed to every household in London The audit covers both documents and includes an assessment of the performance management arrangements of the Greater London Authority. The report is an unqualified report with no statutory recommendations. The report in its key messages states: The GLA has fully embraced the principles of Best Value and has made considerable progress in developing a framework for its effective implementation. [The GLA] has prepared and published a clear and compliant Best Value Performance Plan that is fully integrated with the GLA’s business and financial plans. [The GLA] successfully demonstrates how it intends to adapt Best Value to a strategic organisation, which does not provide services.
2.2
Romney House, Marsham Street, London SW1P 3PY Enquiries: 020 7983 4100 minicom: 020 7983 4458 www.london.gov.uk
A framework for Best Value has been developed, and is continuing to evolve. This represents a considerable achievement, which has required re-interpreting the meaning of Best Value for a new and unique organisation, during a period when staffing arrangements are still in a state of flux.
2.3
The report reflects the evolving nature of the organisation and makes constructive and helpful recommendations to take forward our best value programme, which cover: Implementation of the performance management framework which is currently being developed. Effective partnership working with the functional bodies. The best value review programme.
The response to each of the recommendations all of which are welcomed are set out in appendix C. Many of the recommendations relate to issues already identified by officers and included in our current work plans. 2.4 The District Auditor was complimentary about the GLA group joint Best Value Performance Plan Summary –How Does London Work for You? – stating the Summary is a joint one for the GLA and the four functional bodies and as such represents good value for money and demonstrates a joined up approach to Best Value within the GLA group.
3.
3.1
Strategy Implications
The Mayor’s Annual Report 2001 included information on his progress to prepare each of the statutory strategies.
4.
4.1
Financial Implications
There are no financial implications arising directly from this report.
5.
5.1
Legal Comments
The Greater London Authority is required to produce a Best Value Performance Plan under section 6 of the Local Government Act 1999.
6. Recommendations The Budget Committee is invited to (a) note the District Auditor’s report and (b) note the Mayor’s response to the District Auditor’s recommendations. Background Documents -the following documents were used in the preparation of this report:
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The Mayor’s Annual Report 2001; How Does London Work for You?; Local Government Act 1999. Contact Officer: Bryn Griffiths, Best Value Manager. Tel: 0207 983 4485
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