The MAA Forum acts as an alliance of interest between current and prospective MAA administrations. The Forum is hosted in conjunction with NLGN and the Institute of Political and Economic Governance at the University of Manchester. It is independent of Government, and provides a space to share learning and ideas, as well as to influence policy thinking from the ground up. It also provides a lobbying base in order to ensure national momentum is sustained in MAA policy development and acts as a joint resource to drive forward shared goals, make joint representations, and target specific obstacles.

Why was the MAA Forum formed?

In November 2007 the New Local Government Network (an independent policy think tank dedicated to devolution and modernisation of local and regional governance) hosted a major ‘24 hour’ Policy Summit at Weston Park in Staffordshire dedicated to exploring the development of ‘Multi Area Agreements’ and where policy should head over the coming period. Participants included local authority and Government officials, council leaders and chief executives, regional policy specialists and representatives from the emerging MAA alliances from across England. It was felt at the conclusion of the event that NLGN should pull together an ‘MAA Forum’ which could act as an informal association for the MAA administrations to meet and discuss common concerns and issues independently from Government.

What are the benefits of affiliation?

MAA Policy in Whitehall
The MAA forum holds regular facilitated discussions with key Ministers and senior civil servants to explore in depth particular aspects of MAA policy and distil common priorities across the MAA community. The Forum will also collate common responses and make joint representations on behalf of the MAA community where appropriate.

Coordinate National Policy Discussions
The Forum provides a secretariat function for the MAA administrations, proactively bringing together MAA officials with other key stakeholders where appropriate to discuss key themes as plans progress.

Practical Peer-Learning and Networking Opportunities
The MAA forum facilitates peer-learning opportunities, providing a valuable resource for administrations to share common concerns and find pragmatic solutions. ‘Knowledge Exchange’ style visits will explore one MAA in depth through visiting a particular sub-region, helping to inspire MAA teams and learn from peers. The Forum provides regular opportunities to meet and form strong networks between sub-regional alliances from across the country.

New Thinking on Sub National Policy
As a think-tank with a strong research team, NLGN and our MAA forum Academic Partner IPEG at the University of Manchester, will continue to produce new policy thinking in the area of regional and sub national policy to feed into the national debate.

About NLGN and IPEG

NLGN
The New Local Government Network (NLGN) was founded in 1996 by a group of senior local government figures whose aim was to make local government more relevant and credible to local people. A not-for-profit making, independent think tank, NLGN seeks to transform public services, revitalise local political leadership and empower local communities.

IPEG
Established in December 2002, the Institute for Political and Economic Governance (IPEG) is a multi-disciplinary research institute at The University of Manchester. IPEG aims to connect research, policy and practice, and provides a focus for debate and research around the general theme of governance: political, economic, international, regional and local.