This document sets out the Audit Commission’s policy and practice framework for service inspections of local authorities, housing associations and other bodies. The Commission is radically reducing the number of inspections whilst seeking to be a continuing force for the improvement of local services. The new strategic approach aims to maximise the impact of audit activities while minimising the burden on the organisations inspected.The document sets out the principles of inspection and describes the service inspection framework. It details what will be inspected and gives an outline of the newly introduced methodology together with a summary of how judgements will be made. Other issues include an outline of quality assurance, the review and complaint processes, and the legislative basis for inspection. It also describes the responsibilities of the Commission and of inspected organisations in relation to the planning and undertaking of inspections.
Local councils intend to make efficiency gains exceeding 1.1 billion pounds in the current year according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. This is equivalent to 20 pounds per head of the population. Over half of the efficiencies are being sought from individual service departments such as Social Services, and the remainder from activities either supporting or cutting across several direct services to the public. The savings are being sought in response to the government’s overall drive to make significant efficiency and effectiveness gains recommended by Sir Peter Gershon last year.All councils have been set targets of annual year-on-year savings, equivalent to 2.5% of their spending last year. Councils’ plans provide for gains equivalent to at least 2.8% per annum for the country as a whole. At least 2.1%, or more than 870 million pounds, would be cashable, that is tangible real monetary savings, as distinct from increased output for the same spending.
The Office of Fair Trading is calling for a ‘one-stop-shop’ for information on care homes to help older people to make the right choices about their care. It also wants local authorities to publish detailed directories of available care and information on pricing and funding.The recommendation follows a ten-month study that was prompted by a complaint from ‘Which?’ – formerly the Consumers’ Association – on behalf of Social Policy Ageing Information Network, an umbrella body including Age Concern, Help the Aged, The Association of Charity Officers, and the Alzheimer’s Society.
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