Commentary on Sections Section 102: Repeal of provisions relating to multi-area agreements
472.This section repeals Part 7 (sections 121 to 137) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. This legislation, which provides a formal basis for Multi Area Agreements (“MAAs”), has never been used and there are no plans to do so. The national and local collaboration within MAAs has subsequently been folded in to the government’s approach to Local Enterprise Partnerships.
473.MAAs were signed in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and were voluntary, three-year agreements between local authorities, their partners and the government to work collectively to improve local economic prosperity. The legislation was introduced to allow for a formal basis to these and any future agreements. However, none of the 15 MAA areas chose to put their agreements on to a formal basis. No local authorities requested the Secretary of State to give a direction for the preparation and submission of a draft MAA for the proposed area; nor did any local authorities submit a MAA requesting approval from the Secretary of State. Consequently, the Secretary of State has not approved any MAAs following the commencement of the legislation.
474.Part 7 of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 forms part of the law of England and Wales only (with the exception of specified provisions which also extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland), but the MAA related provisions of Part 7 are relevant only to specified kinds of English local authorities. The section has the same extent and application and comes into force at the end of the period of 2 months beginning with the day on which the Act is passed.