This report researches what is currently being done in the name of benchmarking by local authorities.

There was benchmarking activity in the local authority sector long before the idea was popularised in the private sector. Benchmarking, in the form of cost and activity comparisons, has been practiced in UK local government since the 1970s. The implementation in 1997 of Best Value, a major new policy initiative in local government, has proved catalytic and benchmarking has burgeoned.

The report presents a number of case studies into the use of benchmarking including the County Council, City Council and Police Force and gives detailed conclusions and recommendations.

Gives valuable recommendations for the future use of benchmarking by local authorities
Includes detailed case studies of benchmarking activity in 4 local authorities
Draws on more than 80 interviews