Partnerships fall short of intentions

Most local strategic partnerships have failed to replace smaller
partnerships, despite it being one of the main reasons they were
set up, according to research by the Office of the Deputy Prime
Minister.

The survey of 384 LSPs – non-statutory agencies that bring together
the public, voluntary and business sectors to make decisions about
local regeneration – was carried out last year and published this
week.

It also finds that the involvement of councillors in LSPs often
creates problems because they either dominate or fail to recognise
their community leadership role. Many local authorities are
represented in the structure by elected members rather than
officers.

A lack of clarity about the long-term role, powers and resources of
LSPs is also making it difficult for them to establish a role, the
findings show.