3.55 To assist the EPU mapping exercise, the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) provided information on the 26 Local Strategy Partnerships (LSPs) operating in Northern Ireland. While that information has been included in the general analysis outlined above, there has been considerable debate regarding the future role of LSPs beyond PEACE II. Recognising the complexity of this particular issue and role of this paper as a think piece to assist further detailed consideration, SEUPB's analysis is outlined below.
3.56 There are 26 LSPs in Northern Ireland, one in each District Council area. In total there are some 670 LSP members, drawn on a 50:50 basis from the statutory sector and the four 'social partners', business, trade unions, agriculture and the voluntary/community sector.
3.57 LSPs were established as the key delivery mechanism for two measures of PEACE II:
| • Measure 3.1 (ERDF) | - | to develop the social economy |
| • Measure 3.2 (ESF) | - | to support local training initiatives |
3.58 In addition, a number of LSPs are also involved in the delivery of Measure 2.11, involving locally based regeneration, and are in receipt of funds from sources other than PEACE II.
3.59 LSPs evolved from, but are fundamentally different to the PEACE 1 District Partnerships. Compared with their predecessors, the LSPs have greater autonomy and are intended to adopt a more integrated and sustainable approach to planning and managing the use of resources.
3.60 Within the EU PEACE Programme it was envisaged that each LSP would develop a local area strategy and action plan for the area that will become the framework for the sustainable regeneration and development of a district area during and beyond PEACE II. This role reflects the emphasis placed by the Executive on the possibility for LSPs to develop roles beyond the delivery lifespan of the PEACE II programme.
3.61 Reflecting their relatively autonomous nature, there is considerable variation in the number of members per LSP, ranging from 16 in Craigavon to 34 in Magherafelt26. The two LSPs covering the largest population areas, with the largest budget, Belfast and Derry, have 27 and 28 members respectively.
3.62 £13,600,000 of technical assistance (TA) costs for administration is awarded to the LSPs, of which £12,100,000 is Measure 3.1 and 3.2 specific27. 21 LSPs receive a figure between £300,000 and £400,000. Some receive more:
| Belfast: | 2,766,430 |
| Derry: | 1,253,167 |
| Lisburn: | 644,400 |
| Newry and Mourne: | 574,800 |
| Craigavon: | 461,400 |
3.63 PEACE II funding is the most significant TA received by each LSP, accounting for over 95% of the total funds received for administration costs. Although the Peace II funding has been extended to the end of 2006, this will be a cause for concern when this funding ends and as LSPs extend their remit as has been suggested.
3.64 Of the 23 LSPs that provided returns, the SEUPB found that 85.6 employees were employed, ranging from 1 to 16 employees per LSP. The number of employees is reasonably in line with TA costs and project funds, with 2 notable exceptions. Fermanagh employs 7 staff and Magherafelt, 10, which appears very high in comparison with their fund and cost provisions.
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26 The number of members in the Magherafelt Area Partnership reflects the fact that MAP provides a single administrative umbrella organisation for implementation of PEACE II, LEADER + and Community Safety.
27 This figure runs over a 4 year period.