MRG and Best Value
Broadly speaking, Best Value is the mechanism by which Local Authorities can monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of their services. It is an initiative led by Central Government, and is key to their plans for modernisation.
It involves specific national performance indicators for each service area, which all Council's must measure on a regular basis (including physical and research measures). These are fed back to compare performance against that of other Local Authorities, and to identify areas that may benefit from development.
The use of local level research (non-comparable on the whole) is also encouraged to investigate each service area in more depth, often making use of their Citizen's Panels and qualitative research.
The Market Research Group (MRG) has several Local Authority clients who are committed to this process. Our projects have included:
· Corporate Health.
· Car Parking.
· Education.
· Environmental Health.
· Housing.
· Local/Performance Planning.
· Planning/Building Control.
· Revenue & Benefits.
· Tourism, leisure & recreation.
· Transport.
If you would like further information about our Best Value research please contact Sarah Hambidge Local Government Research Manager Tel: 01202 963873.