- Conference
- 2003 Local Government Service Group Conference
- Date
- 21 February 2003
- Decision
- Carried
Conference condemns the Government’s rating system for local authorities as little more than an attempt to divert public attention away from the real issue of prolonged under-funding. A league table of ratings is so general and simplistic that it will not even provide a realistic basis for identifying to the public which individual pieces within a department are of a good standard and which need improving. It is a scapegoating exercise in publicity which misuses resources that could be used to improve services.
It is also likely to further undermine the morale of the hardworking staff that provide so many essential local services to a high standard, but some of whom may work for an authority that attracts an overall low rating. We believe that public services do not need league tables, but real sustained investment. We urge the Government to recognise the urgent need for adequate funding and to make available the resources.