NAO calls for better performance data systems

A report by the watchdog published on 14 July 2010, says that although the quality of government data systems to measure performance had improved, there were still significant problem with some systems used to assess the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). In 10% of systems used to assess the 2007 CSR there were mis-matches between indicators and data system, or problems because systems originally planned proved difficult to operate. A third of 2007 CSR systems "needed strengthening", either to improve controls or transparency, according to the report. The NAO found similar problems across government. "In 41% of cases, the data system was not wholly appropriate to the indicator for data monitoring purposes, and in 9% of cases the data system did not measure all elements of the indicator," it says. For example, Ministry of Justice data systems used to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in bringing offences to justice tracked budgeted, not actual, spending. They also failed to compare costs to the number of offences brought to justice. "The data systems therefore did not wholly support measurement of efficiency," the NAO concluded. The report also says that to improve decision making, top level performance information systems need to be more reliable. In addition, the associated performance reports should be easier to interpret by external organisations. More positively, the NAO found that 58% of data systems used for the 2007 CSR were "fit for purpose", up from 30% for the 2002 spending review. Although the government had taken action to improve data quality, the NAO says there is scope to get more value from these measures through better implementation. NAO head Amyas Morse said: "Measuring government performance is vital. It shows whether the taxpayer is getting value for money and lets government learn from experience and improve performance. "Any new performance metrics need to be clear, measurable and directly related to the resources used to deliver them."