The simplest description of Best Value is that it is a system for continuously improving the way services are delivered, designed to ensure that all services are:

• what the public want, when they want them, and how they want them;

• at a price the public are prepared to pay; and

• regularly checked against service standards.

The Government believes Best Value helps:

• Make people more interested and involved in local government.

• Make councils more responsive to what people want.

• Services to be efficient and cost effective.

• Reduce the number of people excluded from services because of poverty or lack of opportunity.

• Forge working links with the community, business and voluntary organisations.

• Make sure services are what people want at a price they are willing to pay.

• Increase turnout at local elections.

The Council sees Best Value as a culture, more than a process. Our goal is to use Best Value to deliver high quality and efficient services that are linked to our 2020 Vision – Community Strategy and that are responsive to the needs of our citizens.