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What are Performance Indicators (PIs) and what are they for?

PIs measure how well councils across the UK fulfil their roles within their communities. There are several different types of performance indicators that are set, monitored and reported on

National Indicators (NIs).  These where introduced by Central Government in April 2008 to replaced the Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs).  Like the BVPIs they are gathered and submitted as part of a national set of performance measures for the range of local services.  They differ from the BVPIs in that there are less of them (198). This national set of PIs provides the public, and local and central government with a means of monitoring, analysing and comparing the achievements of local authorities.

Local Area Agreement (LAA) indicators are decided upon and agreed through dialogue with the Government Office for London, as part of the LAA in each borough. These indicators are deemed to be particularly important in the context of Waltham Forest and are chosen from the current set of National Indicators set by central government.

Local Indicators. Authorities can create local PIs to respond to very particular local needs, or in relation to a very specific, time-bound project. These local indicators could form part of the body of LAA indicators (see above), or they could be stand-alone indicators that serve a separate, local purpose.

The Council monitors progress against its priority PIs (see below) on a quarterly basis. Each quarter, every Head of Service produces a Performance Book showing performance in the areas they are responsible for. These books are the basis for the quarterly priority report, which goes to Leadership Team and Cabinet.

What is the set of priority PIs?

The priority PIs are those that are reported on a quarterly basis to Cabinet and Leadership Team. These are the PIs considered to be most important for the local area.

How are the targets for the PIs set?

There is a set process for deciding upon the targets for these PIs on an annual basis. This process involves evaluating how well current targets have been met the previous year, how the current level of performance has been achieved and reasons for under performance. The views of those delivering the service are also taken into account, as well as how good previous predictions have been, and if they were off-track, have the reasons for this been identified? Finally, how are boroughs in a similar position to Waltham Forest performing, and what sort of targets are they setting?

How are PIs measured?

Each Head of Service within the Council is responsible for measuring and monitoring the PIs that come under his or her service area. This is done in different ways across the Council, in order to respond to particular issues that surround monitoring and measuring PIs.

Why are some PIs only assessed annually or biannually?

Some indicators are based on education statistics, which are usually based on examination results, for example GCSEs. Most of these examinations only take place on an annual basis. Other indicators are based on resident satisfaction surveys, which are carried out twice or three times per year.

Where can I find out more detailed performance information?

Waltham Forest produces a full quarterly priority performance report, which is a public document. This includes information on PIs (a selection of some that are doing well and all of those that are off target), what actions are in place to tackle under performing areas, financial performance, the performance of the Council's key strategic programmes, complaints and risks. These can be viewed here.

What is the Audit Commission and what does it do?

The Audit Commission is the Government's independent spending watchdog, which is responsible for ensuring public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, to achieve high quality local and national services for the public. It covers around 11,000 bodies in England alone, including local authorities, which between them spend £180billion of public money each year.

The Audit Commission provides important information on the quality of public services. As such, it aims to be a force for improving public services, by providing recommendations and spreading good ideas between local authorities.