Introduction to Policy Directorate
Under the new structure, the Directorate is led by the Director of Policy, Calvin Bell, and divided into four Divisions.
Strategic Policy
Responsible for co-ordinating the development and implementation of Council-wide policy relating to strategic issues including planning, housing, transport and co-ordinating major growth.
Community Policy
Responsible for co-ordinating the development and implementation of Council-wide policy relating to community issues in particular economic development, tourism, environment (inc. community cohesion) leisure and community safety.
Performance Management
Responsible for developing the overall performance management framework for the Council.
The Programme & Project Office
Responsible for providing programme and project management support to colleagues across the Council in order to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
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South Northamptonshire 's Community Strategy
The Council developed a Community Strategy which was adopted by the South Northamptonshire Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) in 2004. This is implemented via the six theme groups which are part of the Local Strategic Partnership.
A County-wide Sustainable Communities Strategy is being developed at the moment. More information, including the consultation document are available at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk . Councillors at a Full Council meeting discussed South Northamptonshire Council's response on 2 April 2008 .
Across the county, we are also developing a second Local Area Agreement. South Northamptonshire Council officers and Councillors have been actively involved in this process.
South Northamptonshire 's Performance Assessment
In December 2001 the Government announced its intention to carry out a Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) of all local authorities starting with county and single-tier councils. This was to be a first step towards reducing the regulation surrounding higher performing authorities and providing support or, in extreme cases, intervention in poorer ones.
South Northamptonshire Council undertook its CPA assessment in 2004, where it was considered to deliver a 'Fair' service.
The Council receives an 'Annual Audit and Inspection Letter' from the Audit Commission. The letter provides an overall statement on the Council's annual performance and includes specific comments on:
- Council performance;
- Comprehensive Performance Assessment and improvement
- The annual Performance Plan and meeting required statutory standards
- Annual publication of performance indicator figures and the auditing of those figures
- Our accounts and governance
- Standards of financial conduct and the prevention and detection of fraud and corruption
- Legality of transactions
- Future audit and inspection work
In the last report, it was considered that t he Council continues to improve in many of its priority areas. The Audit Commission reported at the beginning of this year that we have improved in 77 percent of performance indicators over the last three years and 76 percent of indicators have improved in the last year, well above average for district councils.
In addition, the Council's work to improve access to services has been recognised, and solid progress is being made. Progress is also being made with regard to ensuring value for money and addressing approaches to equality and diversity.
Copies of the original CPA report and subsequent inspection letters can be found at www.audit-commission.gov.uk .