A Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) is a framework in which adjoining local authorities work in partnership. Through MAAs local authorities can go beyond their administrative boundaries to better reflect the real economic geography of their area and work in a more strategic and coordinated way to meet challenges. An MAA is formed through a voluntary agreement between local authorities who enter into a contract with central government, but rather than conforming to top-down prescribed instructions, MAAs are bottom-up organic formations.

Some policy areas require cooperation between authorities. This is particularly relevant to competencies in economic development, such as transport, land use planning, tackling unemployment, capital investment, and infrastructure provision. Sometimes it will be more appropriate and effective for such challenges to be tackled through collaboration between a number of local authorities. An MAA is therefore relevant where bridging boundaries will add value to what could be achieved through the work of individual local authorities or LAAs (Local Area Agreements).

The basis for sub-regional collaboration is to allow issues to be addressed at the most appropriate and effective level, so that an artificial administrative boundary doesn’t prevent the successful implementation of policy designed to stimulate economic growth. The types of ‘economic geography’ reflected in MAAs are travel to work zones, housing and employment markets.

In surpassing local and regional administrative boundaries, it is hoped that economic performance will be improved, through greater flexibility and stronger partnerships, which should deliver faster outcomes and efficiency savings. Additionally, the creation of MAAs is intended to give teeth to the Government’s place shaping agenda. In driving economic growth, and encouraging agencies to work sub-regionally, the new structures are anticipated to be instrumental in closing the gap with top performing areas in the country, specifically concerning transport, housing, planning, worklessness, and skills.