Part 5Co-operation of English authorities with local partners, etc

Chapter 1Local area agreements and community strategies

106Duty to prepare and submit draft of a local area agreement

1

When the Secretary of State so directs, a responsible local authority must prepare and submit to him a draft of a document (“a local area agreement”) specifying—

a

local improvement targets;

b

in relation to each local improvement target, the persons to whom the target is to relate; and

c

the period for which the local area agreement is to have effect.

2

In preparing the draft local area agreement, the responsible local authority must—

a

consult—

i

each partner authority; and

ii

such other persons as appear to it to be appropriate;

b

co-operate with each partner authority in determining the local improvement targets relating to the partner authority which are to be specified in the draft local area agreement; and

c

have regard to—

i

its community strategy prepared under section 4 of the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (strategies for promoting well-being); and

ii

any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

3

In determining the local improvement targets relating to it which are to be specified in the draft local area agreement, each partner authority must—

a

co-operate with the responsible local authority; and

b

have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

4

Before issuing any guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult such representatives of local government (including representatives of partner authorities) and such other persons (if any) as he considers appropriate.

5

A direction under subsection (1) may specify the date by which a draft of a local area agreement must be submitted to the Secretary of State.

6

A direction under subsection (1) may be varied or revoked.