Section 3 The general duty.I1

England and Wales

(1)

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.

(2)

For the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1) an authority must consult—

(a)

representatives of persons liable to pay any tax, precept or levy to or in respect of the authority,

(b)

representatives of persons liable to pay non-domestic rates in respect of any area within which the authority carries out functions,

(c)

representatives of persons who use or are likely to use services provided by the authority, and

(d)

representatives of persons appearing to the authority to have an interest in any area within which the authority carries out functions.

(3)

For the purposes of subsection (2) “representatives” in relation to a group of persons means persons who appear to the authority to be representative of that group.

F1(4)

In deciding—

(a)

how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1),

(b)

who to consult under subsection (2), or

(c)

the form, content and timing of consultations under that subsection,

an authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: S. 3(4) substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), ss. 137, 245(5); S.I. 2008/591, art. 2(a); S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(b)

Commencement

I1: S. 3 wholly in force at 1.4.2000; s. 3 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 27 ; s. 3(2)-(4) in force (E.) at 10.8.1999 and (W.) for certain purposes at 10.8.1999 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 2(2), Sch. 1; s. 3(1) in force (E.) at 1.4.2000 and (W.) for certain purposes at 1.4.2000 by S.I. 1999/2169, art. 4(2), Sch. 3; s. 3(2)-(4) in force (W.) at 1.10.1999 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 2; s. 3(1) in force (W.) at 1.4.2000 by S.I. 1999/2815, art. 3

Notes on Part I

Modifications

C1: Pt. I modified (18.11.2003 so far as relating to E. and so far as relating to a best value authority in W. mentioned in s. 101(7), 27.11.2003 so far as relating to a best value authority in W., other than one mentioned in s. 101(7)) by Local Government Act 2003 (c. 26), ss. 101, 128(3)(b), 128(4)(c), 128(5), 128(6); S.I. 2003/2938, art. 2(b) (with art. 8 Sch.); S.I. 2003/3034, art. 2, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Notes on Duties: general

Textual amendments

F1: S. 3 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (c. 28), s. 245(5), Sch. 8 para. 5; S.I. 2008/917, art. 2(1)(e)