What is the Local Area Agreement?

The Local Area Agreement is a document which sets out how services in Bath & North East Somerset will be developed and improved.  The aim is to improve services in local areas by better co-ordination between central government, local authorities and partners, including the Voluntary and Community Sector/Third Sector.  Local Area Agreements (LAA's) bring extra Government money for agreed local priorities, while making sure that existing funds and targets are better co-ordinated.

In Bath & North East Somerset the Local Area Agreement builds up through  'delivery' groups who have responsibility to make sure these improvements happen.  These 'delivery' groups cover the following areas :

 

	Children and Young People
	Health & Wellbeing
	Safer Communities
	Stronger Communities
	Environment & Sustainability
	Sustainable Growth Alliance (Business)

This is the current  Local Area Agreement 2008 - 2011. on the Bath and North East Somerset Council website.

 

The Local Area Agreement - a wider context.

In order to create the Local Area Agreement, "stories" addressing the main areas it covers were developed.  These "stories" were meant to set out a general view of the current situation and future needs. 

 

THEME STORIES:

 

Safer Communities
Stronger Communities
Healthier Communities & Older People
Children & Young People
Economic Development & Enterprise
Environmental Sustainability & Climate Change

 

It is also useful to know that the Local Area Agreement draws on a larger strategy called the Council Core Strategy and it also has to relate to the Sustainable Community Strategy.  All of this is overseen by the Local Strategic Partnership

The Bath and North East Somerset Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) was formed in June 2002. It is made up of public services such as the Council, the Police, the Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust and Somer Housing Group - as well as voluntary, community, and business sector representatives. The LSP is chaired by Bath & North East Somerset Council. The prime function of local strategic partnerships is to produce a "community strategy", a plan for working together to improve the quality of life in local communities.
 

What is the Role Of the Voluntary and Community Sector/Third Sector Groups?

The Voluntary and Community Sector has had an important role to play in developing the Local Area Agreement – both as key stakeholders in its development, and as deliverers of services. This important role continues.  If you want to make sure your group's views contribute to the Local Area Agreement, the forums, partnerships and networks that we have listed on this website can help you do that. See pages entitled:  How do I get my Views Heard and Where do I get Advice or Information.

 

 

 

Documents Giving Further Information

 

What are Local Area Agreements (LAA'S) explains how local area agreements (LAAs) work and why and how third sector organisations should engage with them. Available from the NAVCA website.

 

 "Local area agreement - what's it got to do with me?" provides a simple introduction to LAAs, making the links between community activity and how people can influence decision making in their local area. Available from the NAVCA website.

 

Creating Strong and Prosperous Communities, Statutory Guidance: a consultation - this is the statutory guidance on implementing the new local government performance framework  - this covers Local Strategic Partnerships, Local Area Agreements, Mulitple Area Agreements and outlines governance and engagement - including engagement with the third sector and the duty to involve.  Download from Department for Communities and Local Government:  Creating Strong and Prosperous Communities, Statutory Guidance: a consultation.

 

The Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) - The new Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) began in April 2009 and is currently being put into practice across England   Why is it useful to know about this? The CAA brings a new approach to assessing local public services and what makes a real difference to people’s lives.  It is meant to find out how well public sector organisations (such as local Councils) and their partners (which includes Voluntary and Community Sector /Third Sector Groups) work together to meet local needs. The Local Area Agreement is one of the processes the CAA will look at. Please see this briefing from the Office of the Third Sector:  CAA Briefing.
 

 

 

 

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