Shortages in affordable housing, health inequalities and safeguarding children are among the most pressing challenges facing local public services, according to a new report.
The first comprehensive overview of the work of councils, police, the NHS, business and voluntary organisations in every area of the country urged them all to work more closely together to improve value for money.
Based on the findings of the six inspectorates who assess local services in England and their use of £200 billion of taxpayers' money, the Oneplace report said that the picture was "broadly one of improvement". But it also called for a "greater focus on achieving better value for money" and highlighted areas of particular concern in certain areas of the country.
The report warned that performance was "patchy" and that some areas were "struggling to improve on several fronts", including:
:: Housing, with 10 areas found to have "undemanding targets, poor understanding of housing markets or a lack of action to make existing affordable homes available".
:: Health, with persistent inequalities, particularly in rates of childhood obesity and teenage pregnancy;
:: Children's services, with those in six areas not being adequately safeguarded.
The report also highlighted many areas where local services had found "innovative" ways of improving their performance in tackling problems. Half of those were in responding to climate change by promoting energy efficiency, recycling, renewable energy and public transport.
Other areas praised included improvements in services for adult care and services for children and young people that have reduced social exclusion and improved educational attainment.
The overview is based on the first Comprehensive Area Assessment findings - by the Audit Commission, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Prisons and HM Inspectorate of Probation.
