Government Offices work with MAAs to assist in relations and negotiations between MAAs and central government. Government Offices will also play a key role in the negotiation process, working with local authorities and their partners to reach conclusions about the possible ambitions and targets. A significant function will also be had in ensuring that national policy does not prevent outcome delivery from being as effective as possible, and may request flexibilities from CLG and other relevant departments.

MAAs reflect sub-regional priorities, but is important that the priorities of the MAA are consistent with the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) and Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) (soon to be the Regional Single Strategy). Consequently, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) must be involved throughout the MAA negotiation process, most notably to ensure that the MAA will be appropriate to the wider regional context. RDAs will also help to outline sub-regional economic priorities, and to provide an evidence base in the early stages.