WIREDGOV

The publication, the third edition of the annual compendium looking at the performance of Local Authority services, contains the latest performance data to support the accountability and scrutiny of public services by citizens and by elected Members acting on their behalf.

The performances of Local Authorities on a range of issues such as delayed transfers of care, school attendance, library visits, affordable housing delivery, recycling rates and road conditions are highlighted, as well as public satisfaction ratings for each Local Authority.

This year the publication also includes case studies drawn from a series of visits Lesley Griffiths, the Local Government and Government Business Minister undertook to each Local Authority in Wales over the summer of 2013. These case studies offer good examples of how the citizen experience can be improved through thinking innovatively and doing things differently.

The data has also contributed to the evidence base the Commission on Public Service Governance and Delivery drew upon in producing its recently published report.

The Minister said:

“The combination of challenging financial circumstances and increasing demand for many of the key services Local Authorities provide means improving performance must remain our top priority."

“The recent report of the Williams Commission has opened a debate on how public services are delivered in Wales. However, it is crucial we remember this is about much more than questions of organisation and structures. How we achieve the best possible public services to meet the needs of citizens across Wales is at the heart of the Commission's report.

“We must not pause in the pursuit of transformational change in the design and delivery of our public services to ensure they are high quality, sustainable and centred around the citizen.

“Today's data will support Local Authorities with this task, providing information to help them identify where they are doing well and where they need to improve. Sharing best practice is vital and this report provides examples of what good performance looks like to help our councils better understand how they could implement the necessary changes.”