Audit commission - Human Rights improving public service delivery

Public sector National report Human rights Improving public service deliveryThe Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, to achieve highuality local and national services for the public. Our work covers local government, housing, health and criminal justice services. As an independent watchdog, we provide important information on the quality of public services. As a driving force for improvement in those services, we provide practical recommendations and spread best practice. As an independent auditor, we monitor spending to ensure public services are good value for money. For further information on the work of the Commission please contact: Steve Bundred, Audit Commission, 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN Tel: 020 7828 1212 Human rights | Contents 1 Acknowledgements and introduction 21 Why human rights continue to beimportant 32 How the Act is affecting public services 5How are public services responding to the legal challenge? 5What is the impact of the Act on service delivery? 5What is happening to public services? 73 Our findings 9A strategy for human rights 10Ensuring that contractors comply 11Policies and procedures 13Monitoring new developments 154 Next steps and good practice 16What can you do? 16Learning from the cases 16Raising awareness 19Strategy policies and procedures 22Ensuring that subsidiary bodies comply ...