Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member for Communities submitted a report seeking approval to a number of recommendations to enhance Township Forums. In view of the significant budgetary challenges facing the Council and its partners, the changing local partnership landscape and advances in digital technologies, the opportunity has been taken to refresh the Forums to make them more efficient, effective and locally focussed.

The proposals included the following:

·         To reduce the number of generic presentations;

·         To formalise Police involvement in Township Forums;

·         To reduce the frequency of meetings and harness wider engagement mechanisms;

·         To introduce the Localism Act 2011 into Township Forums (assets of community value);

·         To introduce Community Funds (£8000 to each Township Forum to award small grants to community and voluntary groups).

Delegated decision:

That the report and proposals as detailed in the report submitted be supported and endorsed and be referred to the meeting of Council on 1 July 2015.

Recommendations to Council:

1.   That Council be recommended to approve the amendment of the Operating Framework for Township Forums to incorporate the proposals as detailed in the report submitted

2.   That Council be recommended to reduce the number of meetings of Township Forums from six to four per year. 

3.   That Council be recommended to implement the proposals during the 2015/16 municipal year. 

Reasons for the decision:

This decision will enhance the effectiveness of Township Forums. The proposals will help to reduce duplication across partners in relation to community engagement and strengthen local focus and accountability.

Other option considered and rejected:

To reject the recommendations.