More freedom for councils to decide on service targets proposed

Reducing child poverty and improving security and independence in older age are among 24 core service outcomes mooted by the Local Government Association to replace approximately 1,000 current national targets for councils.

Under the LGA’s vision for a more locally led performance management system, the outcomes would be accompanied by 50 national performance indicators, but councils and their partners would be largely free to determine their own targets beyond this.

The proposals are outlined in a paper published for discussion at next Tuesday’s meeting of the LGA’s improvement board.

Other outcomes suggested include improving children’s readiness to learn at five, 11 and 16, cutting health inequalities, improving social cohesion and boosting value for money.

The proposals build on the LGA’s document Closer to People and Places, which laid out its vision for the devolution of power from central government to localities.