Local Area Agreement/ Multi Area Agreement

As part of their plans to reduce central government burdens on local government, the Coalition government has now abolished centrally determined Local Area Agreements and the National Indicator set from which several indicators within the agreements were taken.  

The government also cut performance reward grant payable for the 2007-2010 LAA by 50% and withdrew any performance reward grant payable for the 2008-2011 LAA.

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

The three-year agreements were negotiated between local areas and the Government and contained a range of agreed outcomes. These outcomes contributed to delivery of the long-term vision of the Sustainable Community Strategy.

LAAs were based around four theme 'blocks' :

Children & young people - Focusing 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 - Focusing on business in North Somerset.  Key outcomes included increasing local business, helping adults improve their skills and encouraging the long-term unemployed back into work, as well as improving the environment.

Health and wellbeing - Focusing on improving the health and wellbeing of the local population.  Key outcomes included reducing smoking, tackling obesity and supporting vulnerable people to live independently. 

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

North Somerset developed its first LAA in 2007. This ran until 2010 and a further LAA was developed in 2008, to be completed in 2011. 

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

Successful delivery of LAAs resulted in the payment of over £2.5m in performance reward grant from central government. This money was used to fund a number of projects which built on the success of the LAA.

 Multi Area Agreements

Multi Area Agreements were also abolished by central government. Further information about the West of England Multi Area Agreement can be found in our archive.