Commentary on Sections Introduction
352.Part 7 of the Act amends the “best value” regime, i.e. the regime under which best value authorities are required to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which their functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness (see Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999). “Best value authorities” include most local authorities, police authorities and fire and rescue authorities.
353.Part 7 removes certain aspects of the best value regime, in particular the requirement on best value authorities to carry out best value reviews. It places a new duty on English best value authorities to involve representatives of local people in the provision of local services and policies. It provides the Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers with a new power to issue guidance to best value authorities on the general duty of best value. It also provides Ministers of the Crown and Welsh Ministers with power to issue grants to promote or facilitate the economic, efficient and effective provision of services by best value authorities.
354.The Act confers a Measure-making power on the National Assembly for Wales in relation to best value (see section 238 and Schedule 18).