Comprehensive
Performance Assessment
CPA 2007
  Bexley's
latest CPA score
February 2008 marks the sixth year of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment
regime. The Council’s first assessment under this framework was in 2002,
when the Council received the top rating of “excellent”. This feat
has been repeated year on year – confirming that Bexley’s services
are among the best in the country.
In 2005, the Audit Commission reviewed the CPA methodology to make it a more
stringent test of performance. Titled 'CPA – The
Harder Test' the new model stressed the importance of effective partnership
working and had an increased focus on delivering outcomes for local people. Under
the new model, councils were rated from zero to four stars. In spite of the change
in methodology, Bexley maintained the top rating and was judged a 4-star authority
in both 2005 and 2006.
The results for CPA 2007, published in February 2008, show that the London
Borough of Bexley has maintained its 4-star rating once again.
Since the start of the CPA process, London Borough of Bexley, has received
two intense Corporate Assessment on-site inspections. The first in 2002 gave
a Corporate Assessment score of 4 out of 4. The Council's next Corporate Assessment
on-site inspection, under the 'Harder Test' framework, took place in September
and October 2006 and the Final
Report (PDF document) was
published in February 2007.
Bexley was judged as 'Performing Well' and achieved a score of 3 out of
4. The Lead Inspector commented that the Council was focussing on delivering
for local people following significant political change in the six months previous
to the inspection.
The Inspector's report noted a range of strengths and no significant weaknesses.
Highlights included -
- A clear ambition based on a good understanding of the needs and aspirations
of the various communities.
- Clear priorities for the current year.
- Good value for money for local taxpayers.
- Effective partnerships that help the Council provide sound and good services.
A full report of the assessment is available on the Audit
Commission's website (PDF document)
Overall Comprehensive Performance Assessment ratings combine scores from
key service areas - Children & Young People, Use of Resources, Adult Social
Care, Environment, Housing, Culture and Benefits, as well as the Corporate
Assessment. It should be noted that until the end of 2008, the Council’s
Corporate Assessment score of 4 out of 4 (from the 2002 assessment will continue
to apply).
Scores from the last round of CPA reporting (February 2008) are below.
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Current CPA scores
Corporate Assessment Score*
(based on on-site inspection in 2002 – see Full Inspection report) |
Key Question |
Theme |
Unweighted Score |
Weighted Score |
What is the Council trying to achieve? |
Ambition |
3 |
3 |
Focus |
4 |
4 |
Prioritisation |
4 |
4 |
How has the council set about delivering its priorities? |
Capacity |
3 |
3 |
Performance management |
4 |
4 |
What has the council achieved/not achieved to date? |
Achievement |
4 |
12 |
Investment |
3 |
6 |
In light of what has been learnt, what does the council plan to do next? |
Learning |
4 |
4 |
Future plans |
4 |
4 |
Total Theme Score |
44 |
Overall Corporate Assessment Score |
4 |
Core service star rating** (updated in February
2008) |
Service |
Star rating |
Service |
Star rating |
Children & Young People's Services |
3 out of 4 |
Culture |
2 out of 4 |
Social Care (adults) |
4 out of 4 |
Benefits |
3 out of 4 |
Environment |
4 out of 4 |
Use of Resources |
3 out of 4 |
Housing |
2 out of 4 |
Core Services |
4 out of 4 |
*Scores are currently based on our 2002 inspection. Scores from
our 2006 inspection under the 'Harder Test' framework will be used when ratings
are next updated in February 2009.
**Scores are on a scale of 1 to 4, where 1 indicates below minimum requirements
- inadequate performance, and 4 indicates well above minimum requirements -
performing strongly.
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Joint Area Review of Children & Young People's Services
The Children's Act 2004 requires that once every three years councils will go
through a Joint Area Review (JAR). This inspection assesses all local services
for children and young people whether delivered by statutory, voluntary or private
providers in receipt of public funds or other public resources. Judgments are
made on how far the council, with its partners and other local agencies are working
together to achieve the five
'Every
Child Matters' outcomes for children and young people -
- Being healthy
- Staying safe
- Enjoying and achieving
- Making a positive contribution
- Achieving economic well-being
Bexley's JAR was conducted at the same time as the Corporate Assessment.
The overall grade given by inspectors for Bexley's Children's and Young
People's Services was '3 - good'. This places Bexley among the top 25% in the
country. The full JAR report is available on the Children's
Trust website (PDF document) |
