Best Value 2

Consultation analysis and proposed Accounts Commission responses

The Accounts Commission is currently developing its proposals for the second phase of audits of Best Value and Community Planning (BV2). This draws on continuing discussions with councils and the findings of the independent Review of the Best Value Audit process.

The Commission published its consultation, which ran from 31 March to the 31 May 2009, and a wide range of organisations responded. About half the responses were from councils and the remainder from other bodies with an interest in best value in local government.

In June, following the closing date for consultation returns, the Commission held three meetings at Perth, Motherwell and Edinburgh to discuss its BV2 proposals. These meetings were well attended, with most councils represented by leaders and chief executives. Representatives from other scrutiny bodies also attended.

In July and August meetings were also held with the convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE), Consumer Focus Scotland and the Scottish Government to discuss their responses to the BV2 consultation process.

The consultation process provided an opportunity for Scotland's local authorities and other interested parties to influence how BV2 develops. The feedback received on the consultation documents will be used to help shape the development of BV2, which will tested at a number of BV2 pathfinder audits.

The paper BV2 Consultation Analysis and Proposed Accounts Commission Responses – August 2009 Opens in new window sets out the issues raised in response to the BV2 consultation document and at the various BV2 consultation meetings and outlines our proposals to date.

The full consultation document and associated files are shown below for reference.