Survey reveals mixed support

Despite fears about the Comprehensive Performance Assessment,
more than half of respondents to a survey believe it will benefit
their local authorities.

A postal survey of 152 delegates reveals that one in four
councils expect to gain financial freedoms as a result of the
assessment, while one in eight anticipate it leading to more
intervention.

More than half of respondents believe that the local government
white paper will bring more intervention than freedoms overall.

The survey, carried out by the LGA with insurance company Zurich
Municipal and published this week, also shows that more than 80 per
cent of respondents believe that there will be a move away from
traditional local authority structures over the next five years. In
particular, almost three-quarters believe their councils are likely
to create partnerships with local health providers.