Local Area Agreement/Multi Area Agreement

Local Area Agreements (LAAs) are aimed at helping local partner agencies work together more effectively to improve public services and people's quality of life. 

These three-year agreements are negotiated between local areas and the Government.  They contain a range of agreed outcomes and contribute towards the long-term vision of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

LAAs are based around four theme 'blocks' :

Children & young people - This area focuses on improving the lives on children and young people ensuring they are safe, healthy, enjoying their lives, achieving educationally, able to make a positive contribution to society and not suffering in poverty.

Economic development and environment - This area focuses on business in North Somerset.  Key outcomes include increasing local business and helping adults improve their skills and encouraging the long-term unemployed back into work, as well as improving the environment.

Health and wellbeing - This area seeks to impove the health and wellbeing of the local population.  Key outcomes include reducing smoking, tackling obesity and supporting vulnerable people to live independently. 

Safer & Stronger Communities - Key outcomes in this area of work are to increase the amount of voluntary and community activity and to reduce crime and fear of crime.

Although North Somerset developed an LAA in 2007 (to run until 2010) all local areas were required by central government to have a new Local Area Agreement in place by June 2008.

The NSP is responsible for monitoring and implementing the LAA for North Somerset.

At the end of the agreement, if particular targets are met North Somerset will be eligible to receive a performance reward grant from government.