Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF)

Local Government Benchmarking Framework results

The Local Government Benchmarking Framework (LGBF) is a national set of indicators covering key performance areas and costs. It’s designed to help councils and elected members ask the right questions about key council services.

Children’s Services
Corporate Services (such as Support Services)
Social Work Services
Culture and Leisure Services
Environmental Services
Housing Services
Corporate Assets
Economic Development
Climate Change
Financial Sustainability

We interpret LGBF results in local context (our communities, service structures and priorities). We then use the insights to inform planning, improvement, scrutiny and public reporting.

Our latest results (data as of September 2025)

South Lanarkshire performance

South Lanarkshire performance	Number (%) of indicators 2021-22	Number (%) of indicators 2022-23	Number (%) of indicators 2023-24
Improving performance in SLC	39 (39%)	52 (52%)	51 (50%)
Declining performance in SLC	53 (54%)	36 (35%)	42 (41%)
No change in performance in SLC	3 (3%)	4 (4%)	6 (6%)
Results/trends not available	4 (4%)	9 (9%)	3 (3%)

Comparison with Scottish average

Comparison with Scottish average	Number (%) of indicators 2021-22	Number (%) of indicators 2022-23	Number (%) of indicators 2023-24
SLC results better than Scottish average	50 (51%)	51 (50%)	57 (56%)
SLC results worse than Scottish average	43 (43%)	40 (39%)	40 (39%)
SLC results same as Scottish average	2 (2%)	2 (2%)	2 (2%)
Results not available	4 (4%)	9 (9%)	3 (3%)

2021-22 updated results as at 29 November 2023
2022-23 updated results as at August 2024
2023-24 updated results as at September 2025

You can read the detailed performance, trends and local explanations in our Local Government Benchmarking Framework 2023–24 Results and Action Plan – update report (Appendix) presented to the Performance and Review Scrutiny Forum (PRSF).

Explore the data

South Lanarkshire LGBF dashboard – our local dashboard aligned to council priorities
National LGBF Dashboard (Improvement Service) – compare councils and explore trends
National Benchmarking Overview Report 2023–24 – key messages and Scotland‑wide analysis
Understanding and using the LGBF – Guidance to support senior management teams and elected members to promote a culture of driving improvement.

We also publish Public Performance Reports and Annual Performance Spotlights, plus Quarter 2 and Quarter 4 progress reports to show in‑year change against the Council Plan outcomes.

If you need help, email performance@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

How we use results to improve

Discuss results and case studies with other councils to learn what works
Prioritise improvements where results or costs differ from similar councils
Track actions through our planning and performance cycle
Report progress publicly so residents can see the change over time

Updated September 2025