The first edition of the Local Outcomes Framework (LOF), published last week, marks a significant shift in how councils are held accountable – moving toward data-driven analysis of outcomes. This framework is part of a broader local government finance settlement package, which includes the removal of funding ringfences, and the first multi-year settlement in nearly a decade. By focusing on outcomes, councils are now required to monitor the real impact of their expenditure, explicitly linking budgets to measurable results.
A major challenge is that about 75% of LOF metrics are annual statistics. Effective delivery depends on councils' ability to manage performance, which is difficult when outcomes are measured only once a year. Without timely and relevant data, councils risk misalignment and missed opportunities to improve services. Councils must adopt robust and consistent approaches to tracking progress, collecting data that enables early identification of strategies needing review and ensures resources are used effectively.
