Best Value

Best Value was introduced by the Scottish Executive on a voluntary basis in 1998 following the Programme for Government. Best Value became a statutory duty following the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. The objective of Best Value is to ensure that management and business practices in local government deliver better and more responsive public services.

Best Value in local government is about local authorities:

• Balancing quality service provision against costs;
• Achieving sustainable development;
• Being accountable and transparent, by engaging with the local community;
• Ensuring equal opportunities;
• Continuously improving the outcomes of the services they provide.

The Audit of Best Value and Community Planning

The Best Value report on Shetland Islands Council, published by the Accounts Commission is now available. It reports that while the council has been able to maintain a high level of service delivery, this is unsustainable without drawing on its financial reserves. After a slow start in addressing Best Value, the council is beginning to recognise the areas that must improve and to understand the need to make some difficult choices with regard to how it spends public money. For more detail Click Here.