The future of LAAs and LSPs

1. The future of LAAs and LSPs Cath Doherty April 2007

2. The changing context for partnership working LAAs to form the central delivery contract between CG & LG plus partners • Single set of national outcome indicators (1200 down to 200) • Small number of targets agreed with each LSP (35, plus DfES statutory targets) • Local targets chosen by LSP – no need to report • Reformed, more-risk-based and better targeted inspection regime • Single LAA grant with all funding outside mainstream grant formula

3. Local Challenges and Ambitions Sustainable Community Strategy The overall model Local consultation through the LSP with Partners and Stakeholders CSR07 national priority outcomes & 200 national indicators LSP view of local priorities Cross –Govt view through GOs on local priorities Negotiation and agreement ‘Non-designated’ targets monitored only by LSP Local priorities and targets Local accountability to citizens ‘Designated’ targets monitored by LSP and GO 18 statutory DfES targets ~35 targets LAA Better outcomes for citizens

4. The result: Increasing opportunities for and expectations of partnership working • A clear and central role for LSPs • ‘LSPs will provide the forum for setting the strategic vision for an area, for capturing that vision in the Sustainable Community Strategy, and for agreeing priorities for improvement in the LAA’ (LGWP 2006) • …..Delivering on this shared vision will require partnership working to be the day job • A statutory underpinning for partnership working • LAs’ duty to develop Local Area Agreements in partnership with other agencies • Duty on LAs and wide range of named partners to co-operate in agreeing LAA targets and to have regard to meeting them • Local authorities to consult and seek the participation of the named partners in developing /modifying the Sustainable Community Strategy

5. Creating a formal framework for co-operation – the named partners in the Bill

6. Ensuring LSPs are able to deliver • LSPs adopting effective governance arrangements • Balanced and targeted membership • Overarching board • Thematic partnerships driving the delivery of outcomes Ensuring Sustainable Community Strategy is fit for purpose • Evidence-based • Prioritised • Based on meaningful and coherent consultation • Enhanced role of local authorities and elected members • Local Authority leaders sitting on the LSP • Executive portfolio holders taking a lead role on appropriate thematic partnership • Back-bench councillors championing the interests of citizens and being involved in strengthened and broadened Overview & Scrutiny arrangements More coherent support nationally and regionally • Less emphasis on national programmes and more regional/local tailoring – ‘the ‘national improvement strategy’

7. Next steps • Circulate summary of road shows write-up including next steps • Bill to enter Lords committee stage (May) • Feasibility testing in 17 areas (May/June) • Work with named partners to develop key messages (May/June/July) • Bill receives Royal Assent – summer/autumn 07 • Post CSR07 – issue operational non-statutory LAA guidance • Post Royal Assent -Issue comprehensive draft place-shaper guidance for consultation • Legislative provisions come into effect alongside final statutory guidance – spring 2008