Local Delivery & Performance
See also:
Single Outcomes Agreements
Best Value in Local Government
Scotland's councils provide a wide range of services to the people of Scotland - services such as education, social care, waste management, cultural services and planning.
Councils work closely with other organisations in planning and delivering much of the work they do. Since 2003 Scottish Councils have been responsible for coordinating how positive outcomes for local communities are planned and delivered. Under the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 they have the statutory lead role in the Community Planning process, through which public services in their local area can be planned. This work takes place in Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs); other statutory Community Planning partners include police forces, fire and rescue services and health boards. CPPs are also expected to involve local business and voluntary groups and to involve communities in their work. The Act also gives Councils a broad general 'Power to Advance Well Being' . This enables them to do anything they consider is likely to promote or improve the well-being of their area and/or people living there.
Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) set out how they will deliver positive outcomes in their area in a Single Outcome Agreement. This sets out the priorities for action, how they will contribute to the Scottish Government's wider National Outcomes, and detailed local targets to measure progress towards the local outcomes. CPPs are required to consult with their communities on the priorities they include in the SOA. CPPs report annually on their progress to their local communities. They also provide an annual report on progress to Scottish Ministers.
Councils are answerable to their local citizens for the work they do. To provide further assurance, several council services are regularly inspected by the relevant regulation and inspection bodies, including Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland, Education Scotland, and The Scottish Housing Regulator. Councils also have a duty of Best Value under the Local Government in Scotland Act. This is to ensure they plan and deliver local services as efficiently, effectively and economically as possible, and continually look for opportunities to improve performance. The Accounts Commission conducts regular Best Value Audits of each Council. Audit Scotland also conducts external reviews of Council services, and may undertake a special investigation if there are concerns about aspects of a Council's performance.
Community Planning
Community Councils
Complaining about Public Services in Scotland
Improvement Service
External Scrutiny
Audit Scotland