Using comparison groups

LG Inform Value for Money Profiles makes various comparative models available, some of which are based on the ‘near neighbour’ methodology and others are simple categorisation of organisation types.

Comparison groups provide the background against which you can assess the spending and performance of the selected authority. You have the option to select which groups to use to contextualise results. We recommend you use a variety of groups to view an authority’s data and information. Below are details of the common models.

Categorisation models - Using these groups shows how outcomes and service performance compare with the best that is being achieved and whether that performance is consistent with organisations spending at a similar level within the same group.

Near neighbour models – Are grouping of organisations that serve similar populations or are most comparable to the selected organisation. Comparing areas with equivalent levels of deprivation and demographics makes it easier to take account of factors that impact on demand and funding when comparing spending or demand for a service.

Comparison groups and their members

All English authorities - This group consists of all councils in England. When you select this group you will be comparing the council of your choice with all other English councils.

All authorities by type and country, Single tier and district councils by country, Single tier and county councils by country and Single tier authorities by country - these groups are based on different types of council (District, County, London Boroughs, Metropolitan Boroughs and Unitary authorities). When you select one of these groups the council you have selected will be compared with councils that are of the same type and whom provide similar types of services.

All authorities in region, District authorities in region, Single tier and county authorities in region, Single tier and district authorities in region and Single tier and county authorities in region (ADASS regions) - These groups provide the geographical neighbours of a selected council within a region. There are 9 geographical regions: London, East, South West, South East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, North East and East Midlands. When you select one of these groups the council you have selected will be compared with all councils within the region and council type.

All geographical neighbours, District authority geographical neighbours and Single tier and county geographical neighbours - These groups are based on the council selected and all of the neighbouring councils in the geographical area and council type.

ASC expenditure statistical neighbours - learning disabilities and ASC expenditure statistical neighbours - older people – Department of Health have produced these groups as part of Adult Social Care Efficiency Tool which identifies like councils specifically from the viewpoint of adult social care delivery, based on factors that are outside the control of commissioners for the two largest client groups (older adults and working age adults with learning disabilities). When you select this option the council you have selected will be compared with up to 15 other councils with the most similar characteristics.

Cipfa (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) nearest neighbours by local authority - When you select this option, the council you have selected will be compared with the 15 other councils with the most similar statistical characteristics in terms of social and economic features.

Children's services near neighbours – Department for Education have produced these groups which identify councils with similar features within services for children. When you select this option the council you have selected will be compared with the 11 other councils with the most similar characteristics.

Experian Mosaic near neighbours by local authority - When you select this option, the council you have selected will be compared with the 11 other councils with the most similar statistical characteristics in terms of social and economic features.

Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) – These groups are based on the council selected and represent partnerships between local authorities and businesses whose geography properly reflects the natural economic areas of England.  When you select this option the council you have selected will be compared with all councils within the same LEP.

All fire authorities by country - This group consists of all fire authorities in England. When you select this group you will be comparing the fire authority of your choice with all other English fire authorities.

Fire authorities by type – This group is based on different types of fire authority (metropolitan fire authorities, county fire authorities and combined fire authorities. When you select one of these groups the fire authority you have selected will be compared with fire authorities of the same types of service.

Fire authorities by region – This group provides the geographical neighbours of a selected fire authority within a region. When you select this group the authority you have selected will be compared with all fire authorities within the same region.

All local and fire authorities by country- This group consists of all councils and fire authorities in England. When you select this group you will be comparing the council/authority of your choice with all other English authorities.