Contact: Jon Pittam, (01962) 847400; [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 This report summarises the harder test required for the use of resources block in the 2005 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) which generally drops existing performance from four down to two on a scale of 1 to 4. Improvement is required to reach a required target of three to maintain excellent status in 2005.

1.2 In particular the report sets out requirement to produce a self assessment of the Council's performance in obtaining value for money by the end of July 2005.

1.3 The following decisions are sought:

· to note the imposition of unreasonable timetables, additional workloads and raising of the bar by the Audit Commission which could impact upon the Council's excellent status within the CPA for 2005

· to note the requirement for the submission of a value for money self assessment and the overall approach being taken

· to authorise the County Treasurer in consultation with the Chief Executive and Leader to submit the self assessment by 31 July 2005

· to receive a further report on the final score assessed by the Audit Commission and any implications or actions required arising from that assessment.

2 Reason

2.1 The self assessment is a requirement of the CPA for 2005.

2.2 Value for Money and use of resources impacts upon the whole of the Corporate Strategy and in particular Aim 5 Improving Services.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The only option is to produce the best self assessment possible within the harder test and key lines of enquiry set by the Audit Commission.

4 Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - None

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable

Approved by: ........................ Date: ................................
Councillor K T Thornber, CBE