www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Wiltshire LAA Newsletter - Issue 9
Introduction
Since the last newsletter further development of the new LAA has being taking place, seeking to build up the seven areas of ambitions given in the last newsletter into a single joined up proposal for WISB to consider. There are further details below.
The current LAA is still ongoing but will come to an end in Mar 08. We have identified lessons learnt from both the negotiation of the first LAA and its performance management which we are taking heed of in the new LAA.
07/08 LAA – update on progress
A Half Yearly Report on the LAA has been submitted to Government Office South West (GOSW). The report gives an overview of the progress made between April and September 07. It notes factors which have affected the implementation of the LAA. Attention is also given to targets which are unlikely to be achieved. The report considers briefly the development of the new LAA as it impacts upon the current LAA. This will be available on the internet shortly.
At the end of quarter 2, 63.4% of targets were reported as on target to be successful.
The performance reports for Quarter One and Two are now available on the internet. Please follow the links:
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/laa-1st-quarter-returns-0708.pdf (pdf 133Kb) 
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/laa-2nd-quarter-returns-0708.pdf (pdf 216Kb)
The reports for Quarter 3 (Oct 07– Dec 07) will be placed on the internet as soon as available.
The New LAA – update on development
On Monday 21 January 08 representatives from organisations nominated by WISB met to discuss the development of the new LAA. The purpose of the event was to develop a single proposal on priorities for action for consideration by WiSB on Mon 11 Feb 08.
The 7 big ambitions were the framework for this work. This event put the next layer onto the framework. By the end of the event, there was a list of priorities for action, agreed by those present, that will make significant progress on the ambitions over the next 3 to 5 years. A lead officer for each priority will be identified to coordinate the development of action plans, working with those bodies that commit to taking and resourcing action.
The event provided an opportunity to look across the breadth of the LAAtoidentify how priorities for action will link to deliver WiSB’s ambitions. Some cross cutting action (e.g. relating to transport) are likely to be important to several of the ambitions. Similarly, it is important to understand how the priorities impact on quality of life for specific ‘groups’ such as older people, children or the socially excluded – this can help to shape the nature of the action taken.
It was also possible to identify the first draft of which NIS indicators will be looked at for the ‘up to 35’, although this will be subject to change as actions plans and negotiations develop
The next step was to pull together a single joined up coherent proposal, capturing all the work done on the 21 Jan 08 and afterwards, ready to present to a special meeting of WISB on 11 Feb 08. This was, in effect, the first draft of Wiltshire’s view of the LAA. The proposal and report made to WISB will be available on the internet. Also available on the internet is a list of Action Contacts. If you are able to contribute to one to the actions in the proposal, please contact the action contact and get involved. The proposal is likely to change as the development and negotiation of the LAA continues. Updates will be put on the internet when available.
The proposal talks about a Local Agreement for Wiltshire in which the Local Area Agreement nestles. This is a newly developed way of thinking.
The LAA is the agreement between local authorities & partners and central government and will be subject to a robust performance management regime but may also attract some performance reward grant. The wider Local Agreement for Wiltshire will encompass action which partners believe will have the biggest impact on achieving the big ambitions for Wiltshire and will be managed within Wiltshire's existing and proposed governance structures.
On 1 Feb 08 a meeting was held with GOSW and representatives from across the Wiltshire’s ambitions. This allowed GOSW priorities for action in Wiltshire to be understood and begins the negotiating process between GOSW and Wiltshire.
After these meetings we are in a position to continue shaping and refining proposals, deciding upon which National Indicator ought to be within the ‘up to 35’ for the LAA and developing targets.
The new LAA is due to be signed off in Jun 08, but will start in Apr 08.
LAA and Performance reward grant
Central government recognises the incentive that the performance reward grants (PRG) has been in the LPSA process and intends to announce a similar scheme for the new LAA.
It is thought likely to be of lesser value (Wiltshire is expected to achieve approximately £6.1M PRG from the LPSA). Details of the reward scheme have not yet been distributed
Useful contacts:
The Performance and Risk Team
Sharon Britton – Assistant Director, Performance and Risk, Wiltshire County Council
sharonbritton@wiltshire.gov.uk
Direct Line: 01255 713170
Annie Child – Performance Manager, Wiltshire County Council and newsletter author:
anniechild@wiltshire.gov.uk
Direct Line: 01722 432317
Karen Spence – Performance Manager, Wiltshire County Council:
karenspence@wiltshire.gov.uk
Direct Line: 01225 713094
If you have any suggestions for articles for inclusion in this Newsletter, please contact Annie Child as above, thank you.
