To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government where funding for local strategic partnerships comes from; and to whom members of local strategic partnerships are accountable. (181707)

Local strategic partnerships (LSPs) are voluntary, non statutory partnerships which are comprised of local public, private and third sector organisations. They derive their funding from voluntary contributions made by the bodies that are represented on the partnership. This is a matter for local decision and as such will vary from area to area.

Local strategic partnership members remain accountable to the organisation they represent, but we are clear that in order for LSPs to operate effectively, members should collectively agree clear and transparent lines of accountability within the partnership. The details remain a matter for local discretion and as such will vary from area to area. Further information can be found at 2.1 to 2.9 of the draft guidance which has been issued for consultation, “Creating Strong, Safe and Prosperous Communities”, available on the CLG website at:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/statutoryguidance