Local strategic partnerships, LAA, and national indicators
Partnership working is of increasing importance for councils. Working together with other local services, such as police, health services, those involved in skills or economic development and third sector groups in a strategic partnership, is an important means of meeting the council's 'place shaping’ role.
Local Area Agreements (LAA) began in 2004 and contain the strategic partnerships ambitions for the area set out in a formal agreement. LAAs are a key part of Central Government's policy to devolve more decision-making to local level, and to strengthen the community leadership role of councils. All the local partners play a role in developing and delivering LAAs.
The Government has produced a list of 198 national indicators designed to measure progress on national priorities where they are delivered by local councils acting alone or in partnership through their LAA. Each strategic partnership must negotiate up to 35 targets for its LAA from this list (plus 16 statutory early years and school attainment targets).
Activities to promote safe food and healthy eating provide Local Authorities and their partners with an opportunity to help deliver a number of the outcomes measured by these indicators.
Guidance produced by LACORS and the Food Standards Agency provides examples of actions which can be taken in relation to food, linked to relevant outcomes and national indicators.