A government initiative for local partnerships to shape policy in public service delivery, has handed the Croydon Chamber of Commerce a key role in representing the boroughs business interests.

The recently established Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) pull together for the first time leaders in the public, private and voluntary sectors to work on an ambitious agenda to improve local quality of life and public services.

LSPs will drive improvements in local services and infrastructure, by guiding the priorities and spending of public bodies.

The toughest problems in education and skills, crime, health, the environment and local infrastructure are rarely solved by individual agencies. Many problems need long term solutions that require involvement of local communities and businesses.

Chief Executive of the Croydon Chamber, Chris Hughes said: "As an investor, employer, purchaser and partner, businesses need to be active in LSPs to ensure a strong business voice shapes community strategies and spending decisions.

"Business needs to ensure LSPs recognise wealth creation as the mainspring for improving quality of life, and that quality services underpin competitiveness.

"The borough of Croydon has been ahead of the game, and has had a partnership for nearly 10 years, which has developed and become more representative of the community over time. "

The Croydon Strategic Partnership has recently modified its structure to embrace the Governments LSP initiative.

It now comprises 15 members five each from the public, private and voluntary sectors; the five private sector members include Sarah Harper Booth the Chamber President who runs her own nursing agency business, and four other Croydon company representatives, all Chamber members.

Reporting to this Strategic Partnership is the

engine room a committee of Chief Executives from the three sectors, which for the next six months will be chaired by Chris Hughes, CEO of the Chamber.

Additionally, there are several specialist groups to focus on key areas as health, crime and disorder, education and skills.

The economic development group (or business group) is currently being established, and anyone interested in becoming involved or wanting further information should contact Chris Hughes at the Chamber on 0208 680 2165.