Best Value Duty
The duty under section 3 of the Local Government Act 1999 requiring a best value authority to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way it exercises its functions, having regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 1999 states the general duty in direct terms: a best value authority must make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness. The duty applies to local authorities and other bodies designated as best value authorities, and underpins the wider best value performance framework that replaced compulsory competitive tendering.
In deciding how to fulfil that duty, the Act requires consultation: for the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty an authority must consult representatives of persons liable to pay any tax, precept or levy to or in respect of the authority, together with representatives of ratepayers, service users, and other persons with an interest in the authority's area. Authorities must also have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State on how to fulfil the duty, who to consult, and the form and timing of consultation.
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.