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The government has published guidance on local strategic partnerships (LSPs) designed to give local residents and marginalised communities an "equal say and active part" in improving their neighbourhoods, according to the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

The guidance expands on criteria published in March. LSPs in the 88 neighbourhood renewal areas will need to meet the criteria by the end of next February before being accredited by the government offices in the regions.

Accreditation will be a condition of receipt of neighbourhood renewal funding from next April.

The criteria are designed to encourage LSPs to develop effective structures and inclusive working practices, placing particular emphasis on "genuine community engagement". LSPs must be effective, representative, and capable of playing a key strategic role, actively involve a range of key stakeholders, and establish genuine common priorities and targets.

LSPs' core responsibilities will include preparing and implementing a community strategy for their area, as well as a local neighbourhood renewal strategy to tackle deprivation, co-ordinating local plans, partnerships and initiatives, and working with councils to develop local public service agreements.

"Local strategic partnerships must focus everyone's skills and energies - residents, voluntary and community groups, business and public sector agencies - to provide the momentum to deliver decent local services," said neighbourhood renewal minister Lord Falconer.

l DTLR, The Accreditation Guidance for Local Strategic Partnerships; available from website www.neighbourhood.dtlr.gov.uk or 020 7944 8383.