Over the last four years Lancashire County Council has developed a number of unique and sustainable solutions to tackle the challenges of raising economic prosperity through partnership. As Lancashire's community leader, the authority has successfully brought together public sector partners to create truly joined-up partnerships and deliver clear, objective results and outcomes. This effective collaboration between Lancashire County Council and its partners has proven to achieve results locally whilst also helping to drive forward related issues of housing, transport and economic prosperity at the sub-regional level.
This successful formula to economic sustainability has recently been recognised at a national level with the council being award Beacon status for Raising Economic Prosperity through Partnership.
The Beacon Scheme was set up in 2000 to reward and share best practice in service delivery throughout local government. A number of themes are selected each year which aim to represent issues that are important in the day-to-day lives of the public and reflect key government priorities.
Over the last 10 years the scheme has gathered pace and now provides a chance for local authorities to gain national recognition for the hard work and innovation of teams and individuals in delivering excellent services.
In round 10 4 Councils were successful in the theme - Raising Economic Prosperity through Partnership:
This theme focuses on how, in the current economic circumstances, local authorities play a critical role in building partnerships which can respond effectively to the recession, bringing local business, local communities and community organisations, schools and colleges together.
In March 2009, Lancashire County Council was awarded beacon status for their work in the area of Raising Economic Prosperity through Partnership. The County Council demonstrated:
Through a co-ordinated process of information sharing, interaction and active learning opportunities, Lancashire County Council over the coming year will share best practice and offer support to other authorities and organisations.
In addition to receiving Beacon status a number of other achievements have also been made: