PAPER C

Purpose: For Information

MODERNISING PANEL

1 FEBRUARY 2002

PEER REVIEWS

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR, CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES

BACKGROUND

This paper describes the peer review process currently being offered to all local authorities by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDA).

This programme is a high profile peer review scheme developed by the LGA with support from the DETR and Audit Commission. It was piloted during 1998, rolled out by IDA in 1999 and over 100 authorities have taken part to date.

Typically a review team will consist of a serving Chief Executive, one or two senior members, a senior local authority officer, an external person from the voluntary or private sector, an academic or government official specialising in local government and a review manager from IDA. The authority provides in advance a quantity of background information about itself to the review team and arranges access to groups and individuals within and outside the authority.

The visit takes one week. Three and a half days are spent collecting evidence, conclusions are reached and on the final day feedback and recommendations for improvement are made to the Council. Two weeks later a written report is delivered and the Council then has to prepare and agree with IDA an improvement plan. This will contain short, medium and long term priorities, specific targets and indicators of achievement. Further IDA visits are arranged at 6, 12 and 18 months to ensure that the outcomes of the review are being implemented successfully. The review team will be able to draw on outside resources to suggest means of tackling specific issues.

A review consists of:

· A diagnostic review of the authority's achievements using a benchmark of an ideal authority

· An analysis of the gap between current achievements and the benchmark

· An improvement plan

· Support for improvement

The White Paper recently issued anticipates, over time, comprehensive performance assessments for all local authorities. In the case of this Council, this is likely to take place before the end of 2002. The assessment is likely to rely on similar criteria used as part of the peer review process and the White Paper encourages local authorities to consider the use of the peer review process by way of preparation for their own comprehensive performance assessment.

This report is for information and as requested at the last meeting of the Panel.

Contact Point: Mike Fisher, F 823201

MIKE FISHER

Strategic Director, Corporate and Environment Services