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Local Area Agreements
A Local Area Agreement is a three year agreement based on local sustainable community strategies. It sets out the priorities for a local area agreed between central government (represented by the GO), and a local area represented by the lead LA, and other key partners through local strategic partnerships.
An introduction to Local Area Agreements
Local Area Agreements (LAAs) are designed to enable the most effective use of available resources. They encourage local authorities, primary care trusts and a range of local partners to develop joined up plans for meeting the needs of their local population. They are based on the principle that developing services collectively is more effective than in isolation.
LAAs offer a significant tool for tackling major health and wellbeing related challenges, such as the increasing levels of obesity, an ageing population, inability to work because of ill health, and the increasing number of people reporting mental health problems.
21 pilot LAAs were signed off in the first phase of roll out in March 2005. 66 phase 2 LAAs were signed off 23 March 2006. DH ministers signed off the remaining 62 LAAs in March 2007. This means that every area in England (except the Isles of Scilly) now has its own agreement on local priorities, individually negotiated and agreed with central government.
The new framework for LAAs
Communities and Local Government (CLG) published the White Paper Strong and prosperous communities on 26 October 2006. This White Paper re-balances the relationship between central and local government to set out a new framework for LAAs.
Local Public Service Agreements (LPSAs)
Local Area Agreements replaced Local Public Service Agreements (LPSAs) in March 2007. Find out more about LPSAs from the following link:
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