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London has some of the best public services in the country and some of the worst, according to an overview of the capital’s local authorities by the Audit Commission, writes Jonathan Pearce.

The report shows wide differences in the quality and value for money of services across and within London boroughs. But prospects for future improvements are better in London than in the rest of England. In addition, the findings show that performance is not necessarily linked to spending by a particular authority, or to local levels of deprivation.

Alongside the overview, the commission has also published a 'Sustainable Communities' briefing which examines housing, environment and regeneration in the capital. The briefing points to the shortage of social housing and affordable private sector housing as a significant problem.

"It contributes to public sector staff recruitment and retention problems, causes accommodation difficulties for low-paid workers and affects the performance of a wide range of public services, particularly social services and community care," says the briefing.

'Working Capital: Introductory Briefing and Working Capital: Sustainable Communities' available from www.audit-commission.gov.uk/publications/ see under 'recent publications'