Comprehensive Performance Assessment

In 2005, under the title “CPA – The Harder Test”, the Audit Commission published a new framework for undertaking CPAs for all single-tier and county councils. Herefordshire was one of the first councils to have one of these new look corporate assessment inspections. As its name suggests this test is very much harder than that used in the past.

The inspection  took place in September 2005 and illustrates how, working with our partners, we have made a difference during the last three years to the lives of people living, working and visiting Herefordshire. 

An external team conducted the inspection and they looked at what our ambitions for the community are, how we establish our priorities, the capacity we have to deliver those priorities and how we manage our performance to ensure our ambitions are achieved.

The inspection team also looked at what we have achieved with our partners in relation to the shared priorities for Government and Local Government. These are:

• Sustainable communities and transport
• Safer and stronger communities
• Healthier communities
• Older people
• Children and young people

The result of the inspection was that the Council received a 3* rating on a scale of 0-4* and continues to deliver value for money services to the public.

The report highlighted some areas of strength in demonstrating strong community leadership, close working partnerships and a track record of sound financial management alongside some weaknesses in scrutiny, internal processes and some aspects of Children's Services.

To view Herefordshire's Corporate Assessment Report follow the link to the left.

The children and young people theme was assessed by a Joint Area Review (JAR), which ran in parallel with the CPA inspection. Details about this inspection can be found in the Related Pages below.