Cumbria Strategic Partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an LSP?
The formation of Local Strategic Partnerships was encouraged in the Local Government Act 2000, which required all Local Authorities to produce a Community Strategy with a range of partners. An LSP is a way of bringing councils together with other local organisations, such as businesses, and the community, to plan for the future of their area. This involves agreeing a set of actions which all organisations think are important and on which they need to work together to tackle, such as jobs, health and the environment. In Cumbria there are currently 5 Local Strategic Partnerships which cover the different tiers of local government. - Cumbria Strategic Partnership - Carlisle Partnership - Eden LSP - Furness Partnership (Barrow) - South Lakeland Strategic Partnership LSPs are currently under formation for Allerdale and Copeland
- What is the CSP?
Cumbria Strategic Partnership (CSP) brings together a range of countywide organisations from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors across the county to lead on the development of a common vision for Cumbria. Importantly, membership also includes the five LSPs and the District/Borough Councils. The CSP aims to influence policy development at a regional and national level using the Sub Regional Strategy to set out agreed shared priorities. This strategy also influences individual partner organisations, helping ensure that their business planning and budgets align throughout the county, minimising duplication and maximising effectiveness in achieving shared objectives.
- How are the different sectors represented?
The Partnership is made up of representatives of public, private and third sectors. Individual representatives who attend CSP meetings do so on the understanding that they are there to represent the interests and views of their sector which may be larger than their own host organisation.
- Is this just another talking shop?
The CSP is a place where organisations across Cumbria can talk over their shared priorities, pressures and concerns. It is the only opportunity many people have to come together in this way. These shared conversations and agreement have led to the development of a Community Strategy for the County. The Community Strategy provides an essential framework which is now used to influence policy development, both regionally and nationally. Cumbria’s Community Strategy is also instrumental in encouraging the alignment of individual organisations’ business plans and budgets, helping them work together towards the agreed shared objectives.
- Is the Partnership part of Cumbria County Council?
Cumbria County Council is an important partner of the CSP and plays an important role in the support and management of the activities of the CSP. The support team members are employees of Cumbria County Council and are based in the CSP’s own office at Redhills, near Penrith.
- What support is available to the CSP
The CSP is supported by a small team of three based in the CSP office at Redhills. This team is supported by the Policy & Performance Team in Cumbria County Council as well as other partners as and when required.
- How much does the partnership cost?
Cumbria County Council provides a small budget as the host organisation which covers the cost of three staff members, running the office and hosting meetings. The CSP is not an accountable body nor does it allocate funds. The role of the CSP is to influence the spending of partner organisations to better impact on shared priorities.