Domestic Violence
Local Public Service Agreement Targets
Programme Item
Workshop 4
"Local Public Service Agreement Targets"
Judith Million & Judy John-Rose (Home Office)
Key points from the presentation:
The presentation covered the why, what and who of LPSAs and how they could be used to tackle domestic violence.
LPSAs could assist local authorities improve service delivery around domestic violence in a practical way - they are practical and not bureaucratic.
The aim of Local Public Service Agreements (LPSAs), is to improve public service delivery – they offer outcome related finance in order to provide local authorities with an opportunity to improve their service to the public
The funding process is as follows:
LPSAs can 'kick start' initiatives by the provision of an initial 'pump priming' grant of £90k (which does not have to be paid back should final outcomes not be achieved)
Further funding is paid at the end of a programme if targets are met; this is on a sliding scale of payment based on the percentage of the target met
If less than 60% of the target is achieved no money is paid.
The initiative provides 'light touch' government - once targets have been agreed by the LPSA office, local authorities will be left to get on with their project. However, LPSA office would provide advice if required.
The LPSA website gives full details of the scheme and how to apply.
Key points from the discussion:
As the funding depends on meeting targets, the importance of designing programmes and initiatives around credible and achievable targets (related to outcomes) was stressed
Baseline data is required to support targets - targets should not be seen as a barrier, rather an opportunity to innovate. Advice regarding the setting of targets could be sought from the LPSA office.
There was a discussion around what constituted an outcome and delegates provided good examples
Delegates said there were difficulties at local level in getting domestic violence recognised as an option for a 'local' LPSA target. Domestic violence may not be on the CDRP agenda in a local authority.
Some delegates had not known that domestic violence could be a local target. Having been provided with this information, how to make a submission and the 'cash' aspect, they were keen to take the knowledge back to their offices and apply for the next round of funding.
Last update: 18 January 2005