The future of regulation in public services

This article describes the new Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) and considers how it will impact on crime and disorder reduction partnerships. The new approach will consist of area and organisational assessments focusing on local authorities and their partners and individual bodies, respectively. Implications are considered for the public, partnerships and the Audit Commission and the difficulties that they will face. Potential risks for the criminal justice sector are outlined. The challenge for the Audit Commission will be to make this new approach meaningful, understood and effective.