Performance improves, say Best Value indicators

Social services performance in English councils improved last
year, according to newly predicted Best Value performance indicator
results.

Overall, findings show a closing of the gap between the best and
worst councils on three-quarters of indicators – but with some
significant disparities still remaining. Education and social
services performance improved for nearly all relevant
indicators.

Of the 20 Best Value indicators for which comparisons over time
can be made with previous Audit Commission indicators, five relate
to social services performance. Final data for 2000-1 – the first
year of Best Value – will be published by the end of the year and
will act as a baseline against which authorities should be able to
measure progress in future years.

Improvement in social services performance will be measured in
particular against four indicators relating to the cost of services
for: looked-after children; the cost of intensive social care for
adults and older people; the percentage of items of equipment under
£1,000 delivered within three weeks; and the percentage of
people receiving a statement of needs and how they will be met.