Annual Report of the Planning Audit Unit

Best Value

24. Questions are often asked about the relationship of the work of the Audit Unit with Best Value. They have much in common in that both are essentially processes to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of public services. Best Value has been developed in association with local government; development control audits could not have been carried out without the co-operation of individual local authorities. Both seek to measure performance; to review current procedures; to seek the views of customers on the quality of service provided; and to initiate action to raise standards. There are, however, 2 key differences:-

• Best Value must address the issue of cost as well as quality of service. This has not been a feature of development control audits. The Scottish Executive has now commissioned research on the costs of the planning service, looking in particular at the scope for introducing a consistent accounting framework. This research should be published later this year. It should be valuable for authorities' benchmarking activities, which are being developed in response to Best Value.
• Audits consider the scope for improving existing practices and procedures rather than evaluating radical alternatives. However, Best Value requires authorities to challenge the existing method of service delivery by conducting a rigorous option appraisal. This should include consideration of alternative methods of service delivery, including contracting out of all or part of the service. Some Councils already buy-in specialist inputs to the development control service, for example landscape or archaeological advice.

25. Councils have now embarked on a programme of Best Value Service Reviews. Where audits have been carried out, they have been an important input into these reviews but their focus is narrower and they are not a substitute for the wider, more fundamental approach under Best Value.