147 Complicated local problems need the coordinated actions of local agencies. LSPs can provide strategic direction, executive decision-making, and operational action to deal with local priorities. They can also provide an inclusive forum for local stakeholders. But LSPs rely on trust between partners, effective support systems, and clarity of purpose from central government departments.
148 LAAs are an opportunity to strengthen LSPs. An LAA should be a real incentive for local partners to develop a more mature approach to collaboration. But there remains the danger that focus on the LAA can crowd out attention to the longer-term SCS objectives.