Part I Best Value

Duties: general

3The general duty.

(1)

A best value authority must make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

(2)

For the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1) an authority must consult—

(a)

representatives of persons liable to pay any tax, precept or levy to or in respect of the authority,

(b)

representatives of persons liable to pay non-domestic rates in respect of any area within which the authority carries out functions,

(c)

representatives of persons who use or are likely to use services provided by the authority, and

(d)

representatives of persons appearing to the authority to have an interest in any area within which the authority carries out functions.

(3)

For the purposes of subsection (2) “representatives” in relation to a group of persons means persons who appear to the authority to be representative of that group.

F1(4)

In deciding—

(a)

how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1),

(b)

who to consult under subsection (2), or

(c)

the form, content and timing of consultations under that subsection,

an authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.