Are LSPs required by law?
In November, 2002 it was not a legal requirement in England or Wales to establish an LSP. However, in England an accredited LSP was necessary in order to qualify for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund available to the 88 poorest areas, although this excluded the Forest of Dean. In other areas councils were finding a high level partnership of benefit in co-ordinating the community plan and other partnerships. The requirement of Part 1 of Local Government Act 2000, gives Councils the power to do anything it considers is likely to promote the economic social and/or environmental well being of the area. The authority must prepare a community plan to promote this well-being and contribute to sustainable development in the United Kingdom. Having an effective overarching local partnership will help the development, and implementation, of these community plans.
