Sevenoaks Town Council has a budgeted income of £647,000 per annum, and therefore, has to comply with the Government's new Best Value legislation.

This required the Town Council to review all its services to demonstrate that Sevenoaks residents are receiving value from their local council.  There is a rolling programme of reviews, with each service being reviewed at least once in every five years.  The Council is required to publish a Best Value Performance Plan by 31 March each year.

The Plan contains detailed information about the Town Council's existing services.

It explains the reasons why the Council undertakes certain responsibilities.

It includes the costs involved in providing these services and also shows these costs, as an amount per resident.

It shows how these costs are met by the use of charges made for services, the Precept (Council Tax) levied for the year and the use of accumulated reserves built up in earlier years.

It indicates the level of service the Council is currently providing.

It projects targets to be achieved in future years.

It compares the total cost of services supplied by the three tiers of local government - County, District and Town.

The purpose of a review is to challenge whether the Council should be providing the service, and if so whether it might be better provided in a different way.  The review will;

Consider the performance in the delivery of a service with reference to any relevant local performance indicators and targets.

Use comparative data (where available) to compare performance with other organisations and local authorities providing a similar service.

Seek the views of the users and potential users of the service, and take those views into account in any decision on future options.

In allocating services to review years the Council's criteria is to give priority to services that offer a greater potential for achieving best value savings.  Services with a lower priority have been subject to recent management review under the Council's existing efficiency review policy.

Establishment and Central Administration
Planning Consultation

Sports pitches and Parks
Cemetery
Allotments
Property Lettings

Youth Centre
Raleys Gym
Christmas Decorations

Council Offices
Community Centre
Street Lighting

Tourist Information Centre
Community Grants