Performance measurement in local government

Abstract

Emphasis on improving performance in the public sector has led to the development of systems for measuring performance in local government. This article reports on the author's research into this development, presenting information on how local authorities measure performance; which dimensions of performance they attempt to measure; and how they use performance‐measurement information. Existing systems of measuring performance are evaluated in relation to an ideal system. The conclusion is that, although few authorities currently have a coherent system for measuring performance, pressure for continued development of such systems should yield improvements.