In 2009 Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) will take over from the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) of local government. CAA will continue to provide assurance about how well-run local public services are and how effectively they use taxpayers’ money. But it also aims to be more relevant to local people by focusing on issues that are important to their community. It will develop a shared view about the challenges facing an area, such as crime, community cohesion, a sustainable environment or public health issues such as obesity, and will also create a more joined up and proportionate approach to public service regulation.

In April 2007, the Audit Commission published ‘The evolution of regulation’ presenting their initial thoughts on CAA to provide a starting point for widespread discussion over the coming months. At the same time, they are continuing to work with other inspectorates to develop CAA and there will be joint consultation on proposals at the end of 2007.

CPA 2007 and the transition year 2008/09

The Audit Commission have published The transition from CPA to CAA (210Kb). This consultation document included questions relating to CPA 2007 for the next round of national reporting which will be published in February 2008, and the transition from CPA to CAA in 2008/09. Very minor changes to CPA were proposed for the coming year. For the transitional year, a number of substantial amendments were considered, including possible changes to service assessments for single-tier and county councils. This consultation closed on 14 June and responses are currently being considered. The Audit Commission aims to publish the final CPA 2007 framework for single tier and county councils at the end of July.

Tags: Perfomance Management, Audit Commission, CPA, CAA