Issue - items at meetings - Community & Neighbourhood Engagement Update

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED –

(1)         That the Committee notes that the review is underway.

(2)         That the Committee note the content of this written update.

(3)    That the Committee agrees to establish a cross party working group consisting of four Members (with one Member from each of the Political Groups) and chaired by the Cabinet Member for Community Affairs, Inclusion and Community Safety.

100.1    The Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance updating Members in relation to the Strengthening Communities Review, which was now underway.

100.2    Councillor Simpson advised that she remained concerned about the review and particularly that it would be duplicating work previously undertaken by the council. She requested that the consultation for the consultation to include not only existing groups, but also groups that had recently been dissolved as a result of changes to funding and structures.

100.3    In response to comments from Councillor Simpson, Councillor Simson confirmed that the Public Service Board had agreed to fund £10,000 towards the cost of the review and that the total cost would be approximately £20,000. She advised that the cross party working group would consider what groups should be included in the consultation.

100.4    The Head of Equalities and Inclusion explained that the priority was for the working group to begin its work and that the intention was for the review to look wider than existing providers.

100.5    Councillor Mears reported that the review had been discussed in length at the Public Service Board, where members highlighted its importance and fully endorsed the work to be undertaken.

100.6    Councillor Taylor stated that he supported the need for a cross party working group and advised that Member involvement would be key throughout the review.

100.7    Councillor Oxley moved an amendment to the recommendations proposing that the Committee agree to establishing a cross-party working group consisting of four Members and chaired by the Cabinet Member of Community Affairs, Inclusion and Community Safety.

100.1    Councillor Mears formally seconded the amendment and opposition Members confirmed their support for it (see 100.9 (3)).

100.2    RESOLVED –

(1)         That the Committee notes that the review is underway.

(2)         That the Committee note the content of this written update.

(3)    That the Committee agrees to establish a cross party working group consisting of four Members (with one Member from each of the Political Groups) and chaired by the Cabinet Member for Community Affairs, Inclusion and Community Safety.