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The current performance regime for local authorities partners includes Best Value Service and Corporate Inspections along with the Comprehensive Performance Assessment ‘Harder Test’ which measured the quality and effectiveness of the services offered by local authorities. The current regime is replaced with Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) on 1st April 2009. The CAA will require the various Inspectorates (including Audit Commission, Healthcare Commission etc) to provide an assessment of the prospects for local areas and the quality of life for people living there. CAA will focus on whether the councils, health bodies, police forces, fire and rescue authorities and other responsible for local public services are providing better outcomes for the public through partnership.

Comprehensive Performance Assessment
Comprehensive Area Assessment

Comprehensive Performance Assessment

Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) is the performance management framework used by the Audit Commission and Central Government, to measure local authority performance and drive improvement in the sector.

Local government spends approximately £1 billion per year on sport and leisure, more than 50% of the total resources available to sport. Further information on how Sport England has worked successfully with key partners to secure a culture service assessment, which includes sport, in the CPA framework for 2005-08 for single tier and county councils can be found by accessing the link below.
CPA Guidance

Detailed advice and guidance can be found:
Audit Commission

Comprehensive Area Assessment

From April 2009, Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) will replace Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). This marks a significant change to the current assessment regime following the passing of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act (2007). CPA focused on services provided by local authorities. CAA will look at the public services in an area delivered by councils and their partners including the private and voluntary sectors.

CAA will provide assurance about how well-run local public services are and how effectively they use taxpayers’ money. But it also aims to be more relevant to local people by focusing on issues that are important to their community. It will develop a shared view about the challenges facing an area, such as crime, community cohesion, a sustainable environment or public health issues such as obesity, and will also create a more joined up and proportionate approach to public service regulation.  Detailed infomration can be found on the Audit Commission website.
Further information