Best Value Inspection
Essex County Council is undertaking a Best Value Inspection. This considers whether, in carrying out specific functions, we have effective arrangements in place for delivering Best Value in our governance, audit (internal and external), risk management, overview and scrutiny functions, and how these affect the provision of services.
The inspection began on 10 October 2022.
Publication of the final Best Value Inspection report is expected in due course following a further representations process.
Initial findings
On 13 December 2022, the Best Value Inspection team provided an update letter to the Secretary of State with initial findings and recommendations from their work and requested an extension to complete their final report.
On 14 December 2022, it was agreed that the inspection team could provide the report to the Secretary of State by 17 February 2023, instead of 3 January 2023 as original planned.
Final report and directions
The Best Value Inspection team submitted its final report to government on 17 February 2023.
A written ministerial statement was published on 16 March 2023, stating the Best Value Inspection report will be published in due course following a further representations process – go to UK Parliament: Statement by Lee Rowley, Minister for Local Government and Building Safety, 16 March 2023.