What is the Partnership?

 

What is a Local Strategic Partnership?
 
Government Guidance on Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) states that:
 
"Local Strategic Partnerships are necessary for developing new ways of involving local people in how public services are provided. They should bring together a wide range of people to work effectively in partnership on a range of key inter-linked issues including housing and the environment, education, crime, employment and health.

LSPs should strengthen the connection with and between public sector agencies, local government, the voluntary and community sectors, businesses and local residents. Joint working is needed to find ways to:

Improve all public services; renew deprived areas; develop strong, sustainable economies and healthy, safe communities;

Focus service delivery from the outset on the needs and aspirations of local people - including those who are traditionally excluded;

Find ways to encourage people to be constructively involved in their communities; and

Ensure sustainable development in the local area and contribute to the regional sustainable development agenda.

Their role is to set the strategic aims for the area, and see they are delivered."

LSPs are non-statutory organisations. They have no direct powers or resources. These remain with the range of agencies and organisations responsible for public services, many of which are partners in the LSP. These include local councils who are key partners because of the wide range of services for which they are responsible and also because of the specific powers vested in councils by Government in relation to improving local well-being.

LSPs provide the framework within which local priorities are developed through joint working. They also provide the means through which joint progress is monitored and evaluated.