Abdool Kara 19 August 2008

Plugged In

What seems like a long time ago (c2001), in a land far away (the Audit Commission), I was party to creation of what are now known as KLOEs.  Then we were focussing on bringing consistency to the questions that housing inspectors asked.  Over time, those questions were joined by scoring descriptors, called ‘criteria for judgement’.

I was reminded of these halcyon days when perusing the new Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) consultation from the Commission, which aims, laudably, to be flexible, tailored, proportionate, forward-looking - a regulatory regime that is bespoke to each authority, which we should all applaud (even if remaining unsure about some points of detail).

But looking back with the benefit of hindsight we can see a pattern that first Best Value inspection, and then CPA followed - a pattern that in seeking to learn the lessons of the past, we can work to avoid in the future.

The pattern starts with accusations of ‘subjectivity’ in findings – not surprising in what is a ‘qualitative’ assessment.  This is followed with the challenging of written or scored judgements by comparison with other authorities’ judgements – interesting when we all claim to be ‘unique’.  Lastly, some will feel the need to take more formal action via the legal system - sometimes the result of real disagreement over findings, but sometimes there are other causes, eg local elections in the offing.

Consequently, over time, regulators are forced to be more explicit about the way that they arrive at their findings, clarifying their evidence bases, and demonstrating consistency.  This will tend to mean more KLOEs (even if no longer called this), criteria, and assessment frameworks, and an inevitable drift towards a less bespoke and more ‘mechanical’ approach.

Maybe this is inevitable – a greater pattern of all regulatory regimes.  But if there was one thing I would endorse as a means of stopping, or at least slowing, such a pattern it would be for the CAA regime to find as many ways of including trusted sector peers in its approach.  As proposed there is precious little place for peers, who both help to bring experience to the less experienced inspectorate staff, as well as confidence to the sector that all is well within the regime.

This might cost more in paying for CAA via our audit fees, but it might just be worth it if we want CAA to be all that we have fought for it to be in the first place.

Abdool Kara is deputy chief executive of Merton LBC

 
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner