Local Government Reform - Consultation on Policy Proposals

Question 28:
Do you agree that a newly defined best value (continuous
improvement) duty should be placed on councils?
Best Value Guidance
5.6. It will be important to ensure a consistent approach to service
delivery and performance improvement across all councils. For that
reason, the Department would propose to issue guidance to
underpin the best value duty and the delivery of continuous
improvement and to consult with councils and other representative
organisations of local government in the preparation of the
guidance. It is anticipated that the guidance should cover:
• how to make best value arrangements;
• what is to be included in best value arrangements; and
• how to implement the best value duty.
5.7. It is proposed that councils should be required to have regard to any
departmental guidance in the performance of its duties about best
value. Councils would also be expected to have regard to other
general guidance on arrangements for securing best value (unless it
conflicts with the guidance produced by the Department).
Question 29:
Should the Department be able to issue guidance in relation to
best value?
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