New development: Accountability in public partnerships—The case of Local Strategic Partnerships

Abstract

Present arrangements for the accountability of Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and Local Area Agreements (LAAs) are confused. While only local authorities have a direct accountability to the electorate for them, yet they lack powers over their public partners to make that accountability genuine. These partners should be obliged to follow the lead of the local authority.

Acknowledgement

This article is based on a presentation made to a seminar of the Centre for Public Service Partnerships. It was revised in the light of some of the questions and issues raised at the seminar. The CPSP is a newly-created centre at the University of Birmingham for the study of public service partnerships, undertaking research and arranging discussion of issues about their development.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

George Jones

George Jones OBE is Emeritus Professor of government at the London School of Economics.

John Stewart

John Stewart is Emeritus Professor of local government at the University of Birmingham.