Best Value

Introduction

The best value regime was designed by central government to improve local public services. Under legislation, best value authorities - which include the GLA and its functional bodies, London boroughs, police authorities, fire authorities, county and district councils - must:

'make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which they exercise their functions, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness'
(Local Government Act 1999)

In order to deliver continuous improvement, all best value authorities must carry out reviews of their functions. The primary purpose of a best value review is to deliver credible recommendations and action plans that will be implemented and, most crucially, will result in sustainable, significant improvements in the area reviewed. Every best value review should make a difference. It should result in change that will lead to improvements in outcomes.

At the GLA, the duty of best value applies to all its functions exercised through the Mayor. The duty of best value does not extend to the Assembly and its functions.

Summary of the GLA's performance 2006/07

An audited summary of the GLA's performance in the year 2006/07 was published in July 2007:

Summary of the GLA's performance 2006/07 PDF
Summary of the GLA's performance 2006/07 RTF

Best value reviews

As a best value authority, the GLA carries out a series of best value reviews each year. The purpose of a best value review is to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and economy of the functions under review

Best value toolkit

To assist its staff in carrying out best value reviews, the GLA has produced Making a Difference for London.

The Mayor's Annual Report

These reports combine the Mayor's Annual Report and his best value performance plan.

GLA group

Copies of the GLA group's full best value performance plans are available via the relevant organisations' websites:

London Development Agency
London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
Metropolitan Police Authority
Transport for London

For further information on these best value reviews please contact lucy.dunn@london.gov.uk.