86.—(1) A council improves the exercise of its functions in terms of—
(a)strategic effectiveness, if it exercises its functions in a way which is reasonably likely to lead to the achievement of, or assist in achieving, any of its strategic objectives;
(b)service quality, if there is an improvement in the quality of services;
(c)service availability, if there is an improvement in the availability of services;
(d)fairness, if—
(i)disadvantages faced by particular groups in accessing, or taking full advantage of, services are reduced; or
(ii)social well-being is improved as a result of the provision of services or the way in which functions are otherwise exercised;
(e)sustainability, if services are provided or functions are otherwise exercised in a way which contributes to the achievement of sustainable development in Northern Ireland;
(f)efficiency, if there is an improvement in the efficiency with which resources are used in the provision of services or in the way in which functions are otherwise exercised; and
(g)innovation, if the way in which services are provided or functions are otherwise exercised is altered in a manner which is reasonably likely to lead to any outcome described in paragraphs (a) to (f).
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a council’s strategic objectives are the objectives contained in its current community plan.
(3) For the purposes of this section references to services are to—
(a)services provided by the council in the exercise of its functions;
(b)services provided by any other person under arrangements made by the council in the exercise of its functions.
(4) In subsection (2) “current community plan” has the meaning given by section 78(1).
(5) The Department may by order—
(a)amend or omit any paragraph of subsection (1);
(b)add additional paragraphs to that subsection;
(c)amend or omit such additional paragraphs;
(d)make such other amendments of this Part as appear to the Department to be necessary or expedient in connection with provision made under this subsection.