Best Value

Whilst 'best value' has all but disappeared as a national priority, its principles are still operational at North Dorset today. Best Value was a Government lead initiative that was originally an idea with its roots firmly in local government. It requires councils to deliver economic, efficient, effective services, which offer our customers quality, local choice, accountability and continuous service improvement at a price they are willing to pay.

Best value forms part of the Local Government Act 1999 which was given Royal Assent in July 1999. The duty of best value has operated since April 2000.

In brief Best Value is described as being 3 E's and 4 C's.

The 3 E's

• Economy: operating within cost-effective budget;
• Efficiency: producing the results required with the minimum of resources;
• Effectiveness: achieving intended objectives.

The 4 C's

• Challenge: why and how a service is provided;
• Compare: comparison of our performance with others across a range of indicators;
• Compete: fair competition as a means of securing efficient and effective services;
• Consult: with local taxpayers, service users partners and the wider community.

If you would like to know more about Best Value, visit the Communities and Local Government website.