LAAs are innovative agreements between central government - represented in London by the Government Office for London - and local authorities, Local Strategic Partnerships and other key partners at local level. They agree a set of priorities over a three year period, to deliver better public services for local people and to simplify the funding arrangements between boroughs and Government Departments. The Government Office for London leads the negotiation process on behalf of the Government to agree targets and simpler, more flexible funding arrangements.
Highlighting the fact that 66 areas have successfully begun negotiations on LAAs, rather than the 40 predicted in January, David Miliband said:
"I congratulate the areas announced today and would encourage others to follow their example in the coming months. Above all, this is about central and local government working better together alongside local partners so that local services deliver what local people need."
Commenting on commitment of local authorities to Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of the Local Government Association, stressed that:
"Local government is committed to making this a success and working with government to ensure a devolution of decision making. Agencies and councils need to make the most of this opportunity to deliver real change and improved public services for the communities we serve. ”
The announcement of negotiations on 66 new LAAs across the country follows on from the original 21 pilot schemes, including two in London – Greenwich and Hammersmith and Fulham.
In London the new agreements, which will come into effect from summer 2006, will be in Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Camden, Croydon, Enfield, Harrow, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lewisham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Westminster.
[ For information see Local Area Agreements page under the Local Government section of this website or contact Eileen Gay on 020 7217 3541 ]
Graphic courtesy of : GOL Research, Analysis and Intelligence team
