112 The national indicators for local authorities and their partners (Ref. 42) and internal performance reporting systems are a rich source of information for assessing partners' contributions and for giving a performance account to local and national stakeholders. The Audit Commission study In the Know (Ref. 43) recommends that the COUNT (count once use numerous times) principle can reduce duplication in data collection. Failure to coordinate does not just lead to duplication: over half (55 per cent) of LSP coordinators for single-tier or county councils are concerned that misalignment of performance reporting systems will reduce overall LSP effectiveness in delivering LAA targets.
113 Common performance systems need time and money to set up. Areas that received Neighbourhood Renewal Funding (NRF) have better systems than other areas, and CDRPs have better systems than other theme groups. Shared performance systems do not just contribute to giving an account upwards: they can help partners recognise and assess their own contributions to joint working. They are investments in local collaborative working. But like all investments they need proper appraisal against business plan objectives and affordability criteria.