Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) an Organisation in it's own right?

No, a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) is a collection of partners from across the Public, Private and Third Sector, who all come together to work jointly on delivering positive outcomes for the Town.  An LSP always mirrors the Local Authority Boundaries, so to find out who sits on your LSP contact the Council to whom you pay your Council Tax and they will be able to provide further details.

Is LSP and BSP two different things?

No, each area has a Local Strategic Partnership, often they give them a unique name which creates a sense of ownership over the town.  In Blackpool we have named our Partnership - Blackpool Strategic Partnership (BSP).  Therefore Blackpool's LSP is BSP!

Does Blackpool Council tell the LSP what to do?

No, Blackpool Council is a key partner in the Partnership alongside, Primary Care Trust, Police, Fire Service, Local Businesses, Voluntary and Community Groups.  However, although all Partners have an equal voice, when Government introduced LSP's in 2001 they placed a responsibility on Local Authorities to ensure that they were driven forward.  As a result Blackpool Council has a responsibility to ensure that Blackpool has an LSP and that it is effective.  Blackpool Council employs the Partnerships Team who look after BSP day to day.

Should members be elected onto the LSP?

Each LSP selects its members differently and there are no hard and fast rules.  Historically Blackpool Strategic Partnership did elect its Partnership members.  However, this often meant that the wrong people were around the BSP table and that progress was hampered.  Following the recent review of the Partnership it was agreed that members would be co-opted onto the Partnership to ensure that the right people with the right skills represented their organisations, groups and town in the right places within the structure.  Thus ensuring that the overall Partnership gains maximum benefit from the value that people can add in their specialist areas.

Can I attend an LSP Board Meeting even though I'm not a Board Member?

Yes, the BSP Board is a public meeting and can accept observers.  However if you wish to observe a BSP Board Meeting you will need to contact the Partnerships Team at least two weeks prior to the meeting to make your request.  It should also be understood that as an observer you would not be able to contribute to the meeting unless, in extenuating circumstances, the Chair permits it.

How do I get involved with one of the Sub-Groups?

If you feel you would like to contribute to the work of one of the sub-groups, in the first instance you should contact the Partnerships Team on (01253) 477142 and they will provide further information on how you can get involved.

Does the LSP have any money to give out as grants?

No, the LSP has no funds of its own. 

Who monitors the LSP to check its doing a good job?

The BSP is monitored by the stakeholders and partners who influence its strategic direction and activities.  They consolidate this process at the Annual Partnership Conference when each Sub-Group has to feed back on its activities for the previous 12 months, the BSP Board outlines its aspirations for the coming 12 months and through consultation and innovation the wider stakeholders have the opportunity to direct this activity.  In addition the Council's Scrutiny Committees have a role in scrutinising the effectiveness of the LSP.

How can I keep myself informed of the progress of the LSP?

This website is updated regularly, key information will always be posted on here.  Additionally, the LSP has regular articles in "Your Blackpool" a free, quarterly publication which is mailed to each house in the Borough.

What role do Councillors play in the LSP?

Blackpool Councillors have two vital roles to play in the Blackpool Strategic Partnership.  Firstly, there is a Councillor assigned to each of the Goal Groups which focus around the four goals of the Sustainable Community Strategy.  Secondly, the Scrutiny Committees (which are made up of Councillors) regularly scrutinise the work of the BSP and Thirdly, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Peter Callow is the Chair of the BSP.