LAW and LAA - FAQs

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What is the difference between the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and Local Agreement for Wiltshire (LAW)

The LAA is an agreement signed with central government agreeing targets for the next three years. It has been introduced as part of the Local Agreement for Wiltshire, which improves the way the council and its partners work together. The government said councils could have ‘up to 35’ targets in their LAA, plus 16 mandatory targets concerned with education and children. Wiltshire has 28 targets and 16 mandatory targets in its LAA, which are listed in detail in the (LAW).

The LAW is an agreement between many different organisations across Wiltshire to take action to address Wiltshire’s big ambitions. Consultation and research has shown that the most important issues for Wiltshire people are:

• ·Build ‘resilient communities’ with high social capital through people feeling socially included, enabling people and communities to build skills, abilities, knowledge and confidence to take effective action and play leading roles in the development of their communities and so enhance their quality of life.
• Improve affordable housing in the county
• ‘Lives not services’ - support more people to have independent and fulfilling lives as part of their local community; support families to provide the strong foundations for children and young people’s development; enable individuals to make informed choices to improve their long term health and well being.
• Wiltshire exhibiting a positive and sustainable environment for economic growth
• Reduce particular crimes, change behaviours and inform the public to bring about communities that are safe and feel safe.
• Environment: Tackle climate change and promote a high quality, natural environment that enriches the lives of people.
• Work together to achieve the ambitions, including new governance arrangements for the ‘family of partnerships’ and the establishment of community area boards.

By agreeing to be in the LAW, organisations have committed to undertake the actions needed to make a significant impact on the big ambitions.

Why do we need the LAW as well as the LAA?

Without the LAW the LAA would be just a group of targets without a coherent story. The LAW allows us to look wider than just the ‘up to 35’ targets important to central government and capture what is important to Wiltshire. By developing and committing to the actions within the LAW, Wiltshire organisations have really changed the way in which they work together.

How long does the LAA last?

The LAA last for 3 years and so will run until end of March 2011. It is expected that each autumn the agreement will be reviewed to make sure it is still relevant and realistic for the following year.

What is different about this LAW compared to the old LAA?

The LAW is a much broader agreement than the old LAA and at the same time it is more sharply focussed. In order for an action to get into the LAW, it was subjected to a vigorous challenge process during which the capacity, determination and commitment to undertake that action was tested. The old LAA was much more aspirational and could be read in parts as a list of things we would like to do, this LAW is more business-like and targeted.

How can I get involved?

You can read the LAW and understand where your service fits into the picture, then ensure if you or your team are doing something that could affect one of the outcomes or targets in the agreement you get in contact with the partnership managing that action.

I ought to be in the LAW – how do I get into it next time?

Not everything that goes on within the county can be included in the LAW. The actions included are those which will make the biggest impact on achieving the ambition. If you feel your activity meets this criterion, get in contact with the appropriate delivery partnership and let them know what you are doing.

Is there any reward grant associated with the LAA?

Yes, but the amount of reward grant for the LAA is substantially smaller than was given in the past. The details of the reward scheme are still being clarified, so how it will affect Wiltshire is not completely clear yet.

What happens next?

The LAW with the LAA within it are living documents that will evolve as progress is made, actions are reviewed and emphasises change. In autumn/winter 2008 there will be a formal refresh progress undertaken with the Government Office South West. This will mean checking progress against the targets, reviewing the appropriateness of the targets and provides an opportunity to negotiate updated targets if appropriate. The Performance and Risk Team will lead this process working with partners across the county.

Where can I get more information?

Either contact the Ambition Leads or the Thematic Delivery Partnership concerned with your area of interest or get in touch with the Performance and Risk Team.

Last updated: 4 February 2011