Introduction to Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs)

What is an LSP?

Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) are non-statutory, multi-agency partnerships, which matches local authority boundaries. LSPs bring together at a local level the different parts of the public, private, community and voluntary sectors; allowing different initiatives and services to support one another so that they can work together more effectively.

Why do we need LSPs?

Lack of joint working at local level has been one of the key reasons why there has been little progress in delivering sustainable economic, social and physical regeneration, or improved public services, that meet the needs of local communities. A combination of organisations, and the community, working co-operatively as part of an LSP will have a far greater chance of success. To achieve these improvements, the Government, local authorities and other service providers need to work co-operatively, change the ways they work, reallocate resources and 'bend' their mainstream programmes to tackle issues that really matter to local people.

LSPs and the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF)

NRF is a special, unhypothecated grant, which has been made available to eligible areas to facilitate and underpin changes in the way mainstream budgets are used to improve services; narrowing the gap between deprived areas/groups and the rest, and contribute to achieving sustainable development.

LSPs and Local Area Agreements

From 2007/08 all eligible NRF areas and their LSPs will operate in the context of Local Area Agreements (LAA). Those LSPs will need to continue to demonstrate through the LAA how they are narrowing the gap between the most deprived areas and the rest. For these areas, LAAs must include mandatory outcomes with a neighbourhood renewal focus.

Who should you contact if you require further information?

For further information relating to the LSP in your area, please contact your local authority.