Bodies might have duty to co-operate

Councils and their partner agencies, such as health and probation, could be forced to take part in local strategic partnerships.

A consultation paper on the future of LSPs suggests giving statutory bodies a “duty to co-operate” in the partnerships, which could include attendance, financial and staff obligations.

Councils might also be given a duty to promote the involvement of community, voluntary and private sector agencies.

The paper argues it is “imperative” that LSPs become the “partnership of partnerships”, co-ordinating the plans of bodies such as children’s trusts, and crime and disorder reduction partnerships.

LSPs will draw up sustainable community strategies and oversee local area agreements, in which councils are given funding freedoms to deliver outcomes agreed with central government.

The report suggests focusing LSPs’ work on local area agreements’ four priorities: safer and stronger communities, children and young people, healthier communities and older people, and economic development.

Local Strategic Partnerships: Shaping their Future from www.odpm.gov.ukv