Cllr Mark A Kirk

I am pleased to report the Government has approved North Lincolnshire's Local Area Agreement (LAA) and said it is ‘excellent'. The LAA sets out how the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) - a mix of private, public and voluntary organisations - will help improve services and people's quality of life.  The Local Strategic Partnership has agreed with the Government's 35 ambitious targets to meet over the next three years (2008-11).

The Local Area Agreement concentrates on improving services by key partners e.g. police, health and local businesses working together. North Lincolnshire Council and its partners in the LSP have produced the document that paves the way forward to a better North Lincolnshire for everyone. Among other things, it aims to:

• Improve skills and provide more jobs for local people
• Reduce crime
• Reduce waste and pollution
• Improve health
• Reduce inequalities.

The area-wide plan involves a whole range of organisations working together to take the area forward and improve people's quality of life. We have set ourselves some very challenging targets to meet over the next few years. The Government's seal of approval will enable us deliver our ambitious plan.

The beauty of the Local Area Agreement is that it will help devolve decision making and reduce bureaucracy. This makes sense and enables us to concentrate on the things that matter locally.  We are already working on a number of key things that will make a real difference to people's lives. We have seen some pleasing results such as reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, and improved health.

Together with our partners, we have some big challenges ahead of us and I am confident that we can achieve them and continue the good work that is already taking place.