Setting the Pace: developing a framework for sector-led help

Local authorities are committed to working together to improve outcomes for our communities. They are committed to working with each other and with sector-led improvement bodies to develop and promote innovative practice and to respond effectively to performance challenges.

In summer 2009, the LGA and IDeA (now Local Government Improvement and Development) published the 'Setting the Pace' consultation document that set out ideas for how the local government sector can build upon our sector-led approach to improvement and formalise it within a framework that local and central government alike understand.

Setting the Pace consultation document

In response to this consultation, strong views were expressed in support of sector-led improvement, the sharing of best and 'next' practice, the use of peers to stimulate improvement and the need for our approach to improvement to encompass areas that are the responsibility of partnerships.

The need for the national performance framework to better reflect the needs of authorities was also expressed. Responses to the consultation can be viewed in summary form, in full and on a question by question basis:

Responses to the consultation

The LG Group's Improvement Board has considered the responses received and Councillor David Parsons, Chair of the Improvement Board, has outlined some next steps to develop a more sector-led approach to improvement.

Next steps from Councillor David Parsons

These web pages will be updated over the coming months to keep you informed of progress in taking Setting the Pace forward.