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The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone. Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies. More about us
This report presents the findings from research undertaken by the Audit Commission into a review of ten-years of physical, social and economic regeneration in the areas afflicted by pit closures.
The report finds that England's coalfields are a success story of renewal and growth, and that local authorities deserve much of the credit. It suggests the coalfields experience offers lessons to local authorities in other parts of the country as unemployment grows and companies lay off staff.
However, our report says that the job of regenerating former coalfields is not complete, despite all that has been achieved. They remain among the most deprived districts in England. National support for regeneration in the coalfields is still needed, particularly in addressing health, education and skills and other barriers to full participation by local people in the labour market.
Press release: Coalfield regeneration is a success story, but report warns that social legacy of pit closures still lingers
Report: A mine of opportunities: Local authorities and the regeneration of the English coalfields
Supporting People evaluation
The Audit Commission is inviting service users, carers, providers, commissioners and local authority staff who have been involved in or administered the Supporting People programme of work to contribute to an evaluation of the programme. To get involved we are asking interested parties to complete a questionnaire by 15 December on what has worked well, what are the future challenges and how they might be resolved for Supporting People.
Are we there yet? Improving governance and resource management in children's trusts
This report presents the findings from research into the progress that local councils and their partners are making in developing children's trusts. The research examined: the governance and accountability arrangements for children's trusts; the way in which resources are used by the trusts; and how trusts relate to local strategic partnerships and local area agreements.
Visit the Comprehensive performance assessment homepage for more information where you can compare your local area.
Key lines of enquiry are detailed questions that help to inform our inspection judgements.
Comprehensive area assessment - the future of inspection and regulation from 2009
National performance indicators | Place survey | Use of resources | Area profiles | Value for money tool for councils | Value for money tool for fire & rescue authorities | Value for money tool for crime and disorder reduction partnerships | Police value for money profiles | Audit fees comparator tool
Our national studies address strategic issues affecting specific sectors as well as the public sector as a whole.
The Improvement Network promotes collective expertise on key improvement issues to support public sector managers and practitioners.
