Comprehensive Performance Assessment
Lambeth: the fastest improving council in London
On 7 February 2008 the Audit Commission published the results for our 2008 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA). Lambeth Council was awarded a three star rating and our services were described as "improving strongly" - making us the most improved London council and one of only two councils nationally to have jumped from a one star to three star 'good' rating in just one year.
Each year the Audit Commission produces a national league table of council performance through the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), measuring each council's ability to plan, manage and deliver core services and how well they offer value for money.
The CPA uses five elements to describe performance:
- a direction of travel label and statement
- an overall star category
- a corporate assessment score
- a use of resources assessment
- a score for each of the council's core services.
Here's what the Audit Commission says about Lambeth:
"Lambeth Council is improving strongly. On the basis of a range of performance indicators, Lambeth is among the ten most rapidly improving councils nationally.
In particular, environmental services and children's services have improved, in line with the council priorities. The council has exceeded its targets for reducing crime; a high priority for local residents. It has contributed to wider community outcomes, for example by discouraging gang membership through the award winning X-it project.
Disadvantaged residents have benefited from significant improvements to the benefits service. Value for money is good. The council has put in place clear plans to secure further improvement in services such as libraries and planning. Its recent track record shows that the majority of targets are met, with particular success in areas of focus such as housing benefits.
Systems for monitoring performance are rigorous and strongly led by senior managers and Members. There is enough financial capacity and staff have the right skills to deliver the council's plans. There are no significant weaknesses which would prevent improvement levels being sustained."
Background information
Useful links
Audit Commission CPA pages
On this Audit Commission site, view background information, processes and CPA results for councils.
Department for Communites and Local Government
Formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), includes information on the CPA.
Local Government Association (LGA)
Items on the Local Government Association website include a Rough Guide to CPA, a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), and an analysis of CPA results.
Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)
Information on CPA from the Improvement and Development Agency, including their Local Government improvement programme.
If you would like to find out more about the CPA please email us at performance@lambeth.gov.uk.
For all media enquiries, please contact the Communications Team on 020 7926 2485.