The Local Area Partnership is a public meeting (though poorly attended by the public) that rotates around the constituency area. It is attended by a partnership of local service providers including the Council, Wakefield District Housing, Groundwork Trust and Voluntary Action Wakefield.

The partnership meeting on 30th January was held at Knottingley Town Hall, where the meeting discussed the Local Development Framework which will be used to guide development and planning priorities up to 2021. A consultation exercise is underway and comments can be made online at www.wakefield.gov.uk/ldf or you can email comments to stratpoludp@wakefield.gov.uk

Also discussed was Extended Schools, which will provide a range of activities and services beyond the school day for the wider community. Services could include breakfast clubs, quality childcare, parenting and family learning, referrals to specialist family support services and access to schools by the community. Schools can work together to provide joint services for all the community from one location.