"DFID needs to do more and to take a tougher, clearer stance on the importance of cost and service performance information, and in particular indicators of education delivery and attainment if it is to make sure its contributions achieve the maximum good effect, " he said.

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The consensus of the 35 technical indicators we use in our advisory service remains on the intermediate-term buy signal.

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But the memo reminds staff that if it takes more than three minutes to close the call, the service fails one of its "key performance indicators".

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Just as in education, where funding depends on "performance" indicators, there is a great incentive to manipulate data merely to ensure that the level of service provided does not deteriorate further.

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"Whilst the service has made significant strides in reducing burglaries and vehicle crime by concentrating its efforts on these government-led performance indicators, it could be argued that such targets have detracted attention away from traditional patrolling, " he said.

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