Changes to public service inspection process

Someone told me that they're changing the local inspection framework - again.

The inspectorates are consulting on the new comprehensive area assessment (CAA), which is due to begin in 2009. The CAA framework covers local authorities and their partner agencies and, among others, will replace the annual performance assessments of children's services as well as the joint area reviews introduced in the Children Act 2004.

So it's another cost-cutting exercise?

In the words of the Audit Commission, it's all about having a regulatory system that lives up to a vision of inspection that is: relevant to the quality of life of local people, area- and outcome-focused, constructive and forward-looking, and joint and participative. The government intends to reduce the burden of inspection by introducing a framework based on area risk assessment and focused on outcomes. The CAA will concentrate on local area agreements (LAAs) and the improvement targets and priorities named in them will be key to the new regime.