The scope of the guidance

• Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), to create a shared vision and shared sense of priorities for a place.

• The vision will be set out in a Sustainable Community Strategy

• The duty to involve creates greater opportunities for people to influence decision-making and get involved.

• New Local Area Agreements (LAAs) set out the ‘deal’ to achieve these priorities

• The duty to cooperate to agree targets in LAAs provides a key lever to bring about a more robust approach to local partnership working.

• Partners can then work together to deliver positive outcomes, particularly through commissioning, to ensure best value is secured for citizens and communities.

The consultation - response overview

• A total of 167 responses were received

• Representing a broad cross-section of organisations -

• Local Government (46%)

• Third Sector organisations (19%)

• Local Strategic Partnerships (12%)

• Partner Authorities (8%)

Overarching Themes

Key Findings

• On balance the guidance was positively received by the majority of respondents

• Guidance is considered to be clear, concise and not overly prescriptive

• Supported leaving decision making on ‘the how’ to local discretion

Main Challenges

• Implementation in two-tier areas

• Lack of dedicated resources

• Monitoring and enforcement mechanisms

The Duty to Involve

• The majority of respondents felt that the ‘Duty to Involve’ was clearly explained and that the requirements were well balanced and appropriate

• Some clarification of the definition of ‘representatives of local persons’ needed - fails to emphasise the role of elected representatives in implementing the duty

• Some concern of potential ‘consultation fatigue’ – effective consultation must be joined up

The Duty to Cooperate

• Most respondents felt that the correct balance had been struck between the Duty to Cooperate and non-prescriptive processes

• Guidance provides sufficient flexibility to enable it to respond to local circumstances

• The role of the LSP was clearly defined

• The duty to cooperate will help to minimise barriers to access to services by the wider community

…….Underlying concern regarding the practical implementation of the duty to cooperate – lack of enforcement measures, application of the duty in two-tier areas and availability of resources

Having Regard to Targets

• Vast majority felt that the right balance has been struck

• The guidance is viewed to be generally balanced in terms of ensuring accountability

• Rightfully emphasises the importance of cooperation between partners

• The lack of overly prescriptive processes takes into account variations in local conditions and allows for flexibility in the setting of local priorities

…….A degree of concern was expressed in relation to – potential to strengthen accountability, monitoring and enforcement arrangements, the need to encourage data-sharing and the existence of resource constraints

Achieving effective commissioning and value for money

• Non prescriptive approach welcomed by the majority of respondents - allows LAs the flexibility to ensure that decisions are open, transparent and accountable

• Helpful recognition of the difficulties associated with balancing competing pressures

• The concept of ‘value for money’ is clearly explained

……However, concerns that a criteria is needed for assessing tradeoffs and value for money and that the role of elected representatives was underrepresented

Principles governing our response to consultation

Our commitment to issuing light touch guidance

‘Good practice’ will vary by locality and is best developed and validated locally/regionally.

Specifying ‘minimum requirements’ is likely to stifle innovation and may reduce ambition

Monitoring and assessment is largely for the CAA – July publication is key

LSP Conference

12 June 2008

Getting fit for Comprehensive Area Assessment

Gareth DaviesManaging Director, Local Government

LSP conference

12 June 2008

What is CAA?

• Catalyst for better local outcomes, more responsive services and better value for money

• Source of independent assurance for citizens, service users and taxpayers

• Independent evidence base for central government on progress against national priorities

• Means of rationalising and coordinating inspection

LSP conference

12 June 2008

AREA

AreaAssessment

(joint)

NIS Reporting

Council

PCT

Fire

Police

Probation

Housing

Information

Localityself-assessment

EVIDENCE ORGANISATIONS

LSP conference

12 June 2008

Area assessment – three key questions

• How well do local priorities express community needs and aspirations?

• How well are the outcomes and improvements needed being delivered?

• What are the prospects for future improvement?

Focus on priority outcomes from LAA and sustainable community strategy, as well as vulnerable groups

LSP conference

12 June 2008

Outcome focus (depending on priorities)

• How safe is this area?• How strong is the local economy?• How healthy and well cared for are people?• How well kept is the area?• How green is the area?• How cohesive are local communities?• How well are housing needs met?• How well are older people and vulnerable adults supported?• How well are families supported?• How well are children and young people succeeding in education

and training?

LSP conference

12 June 2008

Reporting CAA

• Annual reporting (November each year), but judgments may be updated more frequently

• Clickable maps, postcode entry• Will include reporting of National Indicator Set,

allowing tailored comparisons• Area assessment: Narrative, red flags where action

needed to deliver priority improvements, green flags for exceptionally good prospects/promising innovation

• Assessments for each public body: links to assessments of councils, PCTs, schools, police, fire…

LSP conference

12 June 2008

LSP conference

12 June 2008

So what will inspectorates be looking for?

• great engagement with and knowledge of your communities

• ambitious shared vision for your place• productive relationships across public, private and

third sectors• self-awareness & effective performance management• innovation and well-managed risk-taking• and above all - sustainable improvements in citizen

satisfaction, priority outcomes and value for money

LSP conference

12 June 2008

Timetable for implementing CAA

• June – start second phase of 10 trial sites• July – publish next consultation document• January 09 – publish final CAA framework• February 09 – publish final council CPA results• November 09 – publish first CAA reports

LSP conference

12 June 2008

• How do LSPs make sure that local resources deliver improved outcomes & support LAA delivery?

• The research focuses on: 1.Leadership and culture2.Performance management of local outcomes3. Integration of business and financial planning with the

LAA4.Effective financial management5.Opportunities for, and challenges to, ‘good’

performance and resource management

Forthcoming Audit Commission study - performance and financial management in LSPs

LSP conference

12 June 2008

The study so far…

• In-depth interviews with LSP managers, board members and stakeholders in 12 ‘best practice’ sites. Shorter visits to 5 areas where partnership working is developing

• Delivery chain workshops in 6 LSPs

• National survey of 388 LSP managers and a survey directed to their key partners

• Social Network Analysis in 2 LSPs – on-going

LSP conference

12 June 2008

The products will support LSP improvement…

• national study – late October 2008• virtual improvement tool for LSPs – November 2008• targeted key message papers – November 2008• regional workshops and conference presentations

and inform CAA methodology