Agenda item

Report of the Director of Environment and Culture

1.      That Cabinet approves in principle the model for neighbourhood working proposed within this report as a means of improving engagement with local communities and making public services more responsive to their needs.

2.      That any constitutional changes required to implement the neighbourhood model are referred to the Constitutional Review Working Party, for its consideration and to make recommendations to Full Council.

3.      That Cabinet delegates authority to the Director of Environment and Culture, in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder, to take any actions necessary to further refine the model.

4.      That Cabinet notes the financial implications for the council arising from the implementation of the neighbourhood model, as set out in paragraph 4.2.

5.      That Cabinet agrees to receive a further report after a period of experience, review and consultation on the proposed neighbourhood model to monitor its implementation and to agree any amendments to the model that may be required.

Councillor Hawkins addressed Cabinet with her view that the proposed model was good in parts.  She felt that a lot more work needed to be done and further consultation with ward residents.  However, she appreciated that the Council had listened to people’s views and were making moves to strengthen the democratic process.

Councillor Mildren addressed Cabinet and enquired as to the frequency of ward-based meetings.  He had the impression that the model seemed to be taking local government further away from the people and suggested that changes were being proposed for financial reasons rather than for improvement.

Councillor Clarke addressed Cabinet and accused them of dismantling the council by weakening and diluting engagement from the 12 managed areas to four. He was disappointed that a map had not been provided for clarity.  The report did not give any indication as to where Caspar fitted and he did not believe that having four areas would enable members of the public to fully engage.  In his own ward, residents’ associations were undertaking management and community leadership and he felt that the Administration was proposing changes simply to made further financial savings at the cost of serving the people.

Councillor Clarke was advised that Group leaders had been provided with relevant maps at a briefing prior to the Cabinet meeting.

Councillor Glynane addressed cabinet and welcomed the report, as it was fundamental to successful community working.  He commented on the improved cleanliness of the town centre and felt that neighbourhood management worked well. He was confident that resident representatives would continue to engage in forums and welcomed the new thinking that would bring further success to local areas.

Councillor PD Varnsverry, as the relevant Portfolio Holder, acknowledged the work of Councillor Crake and the Director of Environment and Culture for their contribution to the work in creating this new neighbourhood model. He presented the report to Cabinet and explained how the four areas would work, with the co-operation of the County Council and the Police, to deliver beneficial schemes.  He pointed out that there was likely to be increased public engagement with local forums being held in each ward, possibly being hosted by residents’ associations or parish councils to coincide with the current meetings scheduling. A flexible approach was needed to deliver the best results and any constitutional changes would involve the input of the Constitutional Working Party before being agreed by Full Council.

Councillor B Markham welcomed the mechanism that would now create a better structure for neighbourhood engagement and was pleased to see the proposal for more effective devolution and management of services down to the four areas outlined in the report. He felt that this would give each local forum more impact and each group would have more say on the provision of services.

Councillor B Hoare referred to the successful model of partnership work being undertaken in the Fish Street offices between the Council and Police that was offering a seamless delivery of services.  It was clear that one size did not fit all and there were different needs across the town. However, there would now be better engagement with processes designed for the needs of local communities.  This was the start of a long journey of giving empowerment to local communities and he was confident that the principle would evolve into a well-developed working model.

RESOLVED

1.      That Cabinet approves in principle the model for neighbourhood working proposed within this report as a means of improving engagement with local communities and making public services more responsive to their needs.

2.      That any constitutional changes required to implement the neighbourhood model are referred to the Constitutional Review Working Party, for its consideration and to make recommendations to Full Council.

3.      That Cabinet delegates authority to the Director of Environment and Culture, in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder, to take any actions necessary to further refine the model.

4.      That Cabinet notes the financial implications for the council arising from the implementation of the neighbourhood model, as set out in paragraph 4.2.

5.      That Cabinet agrees to receive a further report after a period of experience, review and consultation on the proposed neighbourhood model to monitor its implementation and to agree any amendments to the model that may be required.