Bucks Strategic Partnership

Local Area Agreement

What is it?

The Local Area Agreement (LAA) for Bucks sets out the priorities for our local area for three years as agreed between central government (represented by the Government Office for the South East - GOSE), and the local authorities. For Buckinghamshire, the current LAA runs 2008 - 2011. The LAA is led by Bucks County Council with other key partners from the Bucks Strategic Partnership.

Current LAA Targets 2008

How does it work?

The LAA gives authorities and partners agreed targets to aim for in providing for the area. In Buckinghamshire. they are split into four blocks:

Healthier Communities & Older People
Children & Young People
Safer & Stronger Communities
Economy and Environment

These targets are specific to the degree that progress can be objectively measured. They comprise short-term and middle-term goals. At the end of each year is an opportunity to "refresh" the LAA. This allows minor changes to reflect any developments over the previous year - see the refresh page for more information. The targets are used to draw up 'delivery plans' that set out how services can meet them. Services can then report on their progress in implementing their plans and delivering the targets. See the links below for further information on each block and the corresponding targets.

For more information

To find out more check out the guidance available on the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) website. They help those involved in the development of the LAA as well as providing best practice examples from pilot schemes and other areas. Central government also offers guidance via the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), previously the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).