Delivering Against the Shared Priorities of Central and Local Government

Central government and local government (represented by the Local Government Association) have agreed seven areas where they wish to see tangible delivery over the next few years. MLA is working to demonstrate how museums, libraries and archives can deliver against these Shared Priorities (PDF 207KB) 

• Raising standards across our schools;
• Improving the quality of life of older people and of children, young people and families at risk; 
• Promoting healthier communities and narrowing health inequalities; 
• Creating safer and stronger communities; 
• Transforming our local environment;
• Meeting local transport needs more effectively; 
• Promoting the economic vitality of localities.

MLA seeks to develop policy that helps museums, libraries and archives deliver under the Shared Priorities. Some areas of our work cut across the Shared Priorities:

• Diversity  with a focus on black and minority ethnic communities and disabled people
• Inclusion
• Early years and family learning
• School-aged children
• Adult learning and skills development
• Health

Public libraries have a track record of delivery for local communities. A Quiet Revolution (PDF 1.08MB) demonstrates how libraries can contribute to achievement under the Shared Priorities.

MLA has developed Public Library Impact Measures as means by which libraries can measure their contribution to outcomes under the Shared Priorities. Public Library Impact Measures can be used by library services to assess their contribution to the achievement of outcomes within Local Area Agreements.

Museums deliver outcomes that contribute to achievement under the Shared Priorities. With its focus on supporting learning, and encouraging participation by hard-to-reach groups. Renaissance has a vital role to play.  On the IDeA website there is a wealth of case studies that show how museums are delivering.

Archives support adult learning and tourism, which can invigorate local economies, while initiatives such as community archives demonstrate that archives play a role in community cohesion and strengthening people’s involvement in service delivery. Read the case studies on the IDeA website to see the range of archives’ contributions.