Government UK Policy paper ‘Local Outcomes Framework’ (published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government July 2026) has been issued.
Government UK writes:
Each of our places, towns and cities face unique challenges arising from their own economic and social history. When local government is successful, people experience public services that are tailored to them, and every place is given the best chance of economic growth. It is in all our interests to see it succeed.? The Local Outcomes Framework sets out the outcomes we want to see happen. For our part, we are giving greater funding security through a return to multi-year finance settlements and funding reform, fixing the broken audit and early warning system, and raising standards. We are equipping local government with the tools to achieve the best possible outcomes.?
The framework establishes a shared focus on the outcomes most important for achieving our collective aims and ultimately to raise living standards across England. The outcomes in the framework represent many of the most important responsibilities of local government underlining the essential part local government plays in achieving national priorities.? Alongside funding consolidation and a reduction in individual grant conditions, the Local Outcomes Framework shifts the focus of central government away from micromanagement of individual activities and towards a focus on the outcomes we all care about. Focussing on shared outcomes brings central and local government together and means opportunities to promote local growth and improve the lives of local people are not lost in a mire of bureaucratic oversight as local leaders are free to take the best path forward for their place.?
By publishing outcomes data in one place the Local Outcomes Framework will bring greater transparency for residents and will mean central and local government are measuring progress through the same lens. Where outcomes are poor, we will act, but action will begin by talking to local leaders to understand how we can support self-improvement and reduce barriers to delivery.? We need stronger local councils equipped to enable economic growth, improve public services and empower communities. With central government and local government working closely together, including through this framework, we can achieve our collective aims.
- This first edition of the Local Outcomes Framework (LOF or ‘the Framework’) enables outcomes-based performance measurement against key national priorities delivered at the local level and driven by councils as local leaders of place.
- The Framework is drawn from the Missions and Plan for Change and will strengthen the way government supports and holds councils to account for improving outcomes for their areas. The name change to Local Outcomes Framework acknowledges that local authorities work together with many local partners to deliver outcomes in a place.
- This document explains the Framework in more detail including how it was designed and how it will be used. It sets out the priority outcomes and underlying metrics, and the principles for government and local government use of the Framework to drive improvement in outcomes for their areas.
To read the document go to the following link: Read more here
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