This paper from the Improvement and Development Agency highlights some of the experiences of a Strategic Health Authority, a Regional Public Health Group and a Government Office working together to support the development of local area agreements in London. The paper stresses that partnerships are essential to achieve health improvement and the reduction of health inequalities and that there is evidence that LAAs are making a difference. Contributions from public health professionals address some common issues from LAA leads in local councils.Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities have been told by the DoH Director of Programmes and Performance that they are expected to provide leadership and contribute to the performance management of local delivery in partnership with the Government Offices.

The benefits of local area agreements include the alignment of the LAA targets with the NHS Local Delivery Plans, which can be a new challenge for health services, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector. Agreements also strengthen health components in community strategies and in specific plans such as the Children and Young People’s Plan, Adult Services and joint work on social care, community safety and economic development.

The paper is available at: http://www.idea-knowledge.gov.uk/idk/aio/5130689