CIPFA Statistical Information Service

Nearest Neighbours Model Update

Following Local Government Reorganisation on 1 April 2009, the CIPFA Nearest Neighbour Model has been updated to reflect the changes. Details of the update, including changes to each authority’s closest fifteen comparators can be found in the related files.

Developed to aid local authorities in comparative and benchmarking exercises, specific family groups can be generated based upon a wide range of socio-economic indicators.

Each local authority is unique. Not only are its social and physical characteristics different to those of other authorities, but its traditions, organisation and practices are distinctive. The CIPFA Nearest Neighbours Model adopts a scientific approach to measuring the similarity between authorities, taking many of these issues into account.

Used across both local and central government, the model has importantly been used in recent years within the Audit Commission’s value for money profiles.