16 January 2009
By Graham Clews
Twenty-three local authorities have signed up for the second wave of cross-boundary Multi-Area Agreements, which aim to improve employment and training opportunities and strengthen rural infrastructure.
The January 12 agreement sets up three MAAs in Merseyside, Leicestershire and the Pennine area of Lancashire.
By using the devolved powers available under MAAs, local authorities in Lancashire have agreed to widen the M65 motorway, develop new and improved rail services, and improve broadband networks to help improve their rural economy.
The Merseyside MAA will include a new skills and employment board designed to tailor training for the local job market as well as supporting self-employment.
The Leicester and Leicestershire MAA will provide financial help to bridge the gap for people coming off benefits and waiting for their first month's pay cheque, as well as working with local universities to provide more accessible education.
Local Government Association vice-chair Sir Jeremy Beecham said MAAs were a stepping-stone to genuine devolution of powers and funding that could overcome local authority boundaries.
'The challenge now is to turn the commitments in these MAAs into action,' he said. 'Other areas will be encouraged by the potential benefits for local people that these agreements set out to achieve.'
The first tranche of six MAAs was signed in July, and a further seven will make up the third wave, expected to be finalised later this year.
This year's Budget will announce which two city areas will be given 'MAA-plus' status, with powers devolved in a similar way to London.
Communities Secretary Hazel Blears said: 'It is vital that we continue to give local government the powers they need to support their communities – they know their people and area best and they can create the right conditions to support and improve them.'
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