Best Value is the cornerstone of the government's modernisation programme for local government and is intended to deliver major improvements in local services.

According to Ben Page, Head of Government Research at MORI, "This contract means we will be continuing our very effective partnership with Professor Steve Martin and his team. We have worked together for DETR on an evaluation of the Best Value pilot programme for the last two years, and now we will be looking at the real impact of Best Value to understand what most drives improved public services. We look forward to working closely with authorities on research among the public and staff over the next five years."

Also, MORI is moving this weekend. From 29th January the new address will be as follows: MORI House, 79-81 Borough Road, London SE1 1FY. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7347 3000 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7346 3800.