Local Area Agreements

Over the past few years, one of the most radical recent changes in the way in which resources are allocated in Gloucestershire has been the development of Local Area Agreements (LAA). This is a new way of working between central government, local authorities and local partners which aims to allow greater flexibility for local solutions.

LAAs are vital to our rural communities as priorities are set for each target area identified and funding will aim to support services that meet those targets. Much of the funding coming into Gloucestershire is now diverted through the LAA so it is vital that we understand the decision making processes in order to influence them

The Gloucestershire Local Area Agreement (LAA)

In Gloucestershire, the LAA has been developed on a countywide basis and it is divided into 5 themed ‘blocks’. Each of these blocks has a countywide partnership ‘strategy group’ made up of representatives of the three sectors (statutory, voluntary and business) to make decisions. These blocks are:

• Safer and Stronger Communities
• Healthier communities and older people
• Children and young people
• Economic development and enterprise
• Natural and built environment

The areas of culture, food, learning, sport and physical activity are represented in each block.

More information on the Gloucestershire LAA can be found here.

Contact
Lesley Archer