Local Area Agreements (LAAs) have local focus, whilst Multi-Area Agreement MAAs collate sub-regional priorities, and provide a framework for cooperation in achieving collective targets. Of course, MAAs must have an implicit understanding of the local issues in order to suitably address regional issues, although the two areas for scope will remain separate and distinct.

Local Area Agreements are a three year agreement between a local authority and central government that details the priorities that a local area will focus on and determine how various agents (including public, private, and third sector bodies) will work together through a local strategic partnership (LSP) to improve quality of life for citizens. An MAA operates at a broader spatial level than an LAA and guidance from Communities and Local Government (CLG) states that the relationship should not be hierarchical and must be complementary.