To seek approval to the proposed action plan to ensure that the Council, with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and its other partners, is well-placed for the new system of Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA).

THAT

(a)            the proposed action plan be approved;

(b)              it be agreed that it be finalised having regard to discussions with partners and consideration by Strategic Monitoring Committee (SMC); and

(c)               it be agreed that progress against the plan be reported to Cabinet and SMC in July and October 2008, and in January and April 2009.

CAA is the new system under which, from April 2009, the performance and prospects of all local authorities, with their partner organisations, will be assessed by the Audit Commission and the other inspectorates. Good preparation is essential to the performance and reputation of the Council and its partners.  

The Council has to prepare with its partners for CAA, so there are no alternative options.