The Office for Local Government (Oflog) has outlined its next steps on new draft metrics at local authority level.

Earlier this year Oflog was established to consider the government’s approach to data at a local level with a view to identifying concerns and issues earlier through the use of proper data sets.

The office is now inviting Chief Executives to comment on two problems the sector has highlighted. 

In a letter to CEOs, Oflog Chief Executive, Josh Goodman, explained these areas in more detail:

“First: the rate of serious governance and financial failures in local authorities is low, but it has increased. You have told us that you share our desire to ensure that warning signs of potential serious failure are spotted and addressed as early as possible.

“Second: many of you have told us that, even though your own local authority is performing well, you worry you are missing opportunities to make it even better. In particular, a number of you said that your organisation spends less time than you would like learning from other local authorities, and that you fear you are not making the best possible use of data.”

Alongside these areas, the office is continuing to build the Data Explorer.  The aim of this tool is to provide Chief Executives with “an easy way to compare data on your local authority to data on similar authorities. This should serve as a useful prompt for you and your organisations to identify potential areas for improvement, and which other authorities you might want to contact to share experiences and approaches. It should also help citizens and civil society to ask the right questions.”

Mr Goodman is now asking for feedback on the new metrics established as part of this build and inviting CEOs to attend workshops on specific topics. 

RSN Chief Executive, Kerry Booth, is welcoming this open approach: “We all know that people working on the frontline have the greatest understanding of what really matters.  It is a positive step forward that the government is reviewing the way data is collected and used and we welcome the opportunity for local authorities to have their say. “We will be working with members on this consultation to ensure we represent their thoughts on improving the way data is used in local government.”

You can find out more about the consultation and workshops here.