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Best Value and the Police Board

Best Value Audit and Inspection of Lothian and Borders Police and Lothian and Borders Police Board

Audit Scotland and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) are currently carrying out a joint Best Value audit and inspection of Lothian and Borders Police Board and Force.  Fieldwork for the Audit is being carried out during June, and the final report will be published in December.
 
There are a number of documents which are available to dowload in relation to the the Best Value Audit and Inspection of Lothian and Borders Police Board and Force.

Why is a Best Value Audit and Inspection being carried out?

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 introduced new statutory duties relating to Best Value and Community Planning. Its provisions apply to local authorities, including police authorities, and require specifically that:

  • councils and police authorities secure Best Value (defined as achieving continuous improvement in the performance of functions);  and
  • police authorities and chief constables participate in the community planning process.

The Act also amended the audit arrangements set out in the Local Government ( Scotland ) Act 1973 to cover Best Value and gave powers to the Accounts Commission to examine Best Value in police authorities.  HMICS has a statutory duty under section 33 of the Police ( Scotland ) Act 1967 to inspect police forces and common police services and to report to ministers on their state and efficiency. 

The 2003 Act extends this to include provision for HMICS to inquire into and report to Scottish Ministers on whether a local authority is carrying out its functions both as a police authority and in relation to a number of matters including Best Value.