Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDED:      That Council agree to the alteration of the Constitution to establish Resident Forums in place of Ward Committees, as described in paragraph 12 of the report, to include a revised mechanism to agree the allocation of ward funding, as described in paragraph 15 of the report.

REASON:           To actively engage York’s residents in their wards.

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of a refresh of the Council’s approach to Neighbourhood Working, coming into effect in June, following the current round of annual meetings.

The proposed update included:

·          The establishment of Resident Forum meetings in place of Ward Committees

·          A refresh of the Community Contract

·          A revised mechanism for how ward funding is spent 

·          A strategy to engage residents

·          Priorities for the new Communities and Equalities Team to support members in delivering the new model.

Details of work already undertaken to implement the proposals was set out at paragraphs 2 and 3 of the report, with feedback on consultation and changes made in response at paragraph 5. Support to be given to Members by the Communities and Equalities team in planning, organising and promoting programmes of engagement events and further practical steps was also set out. To facilitate the proposals would also require amendments to the Council’s constitution details of which were set out at paragraph 16 together with proposed terms of reference for the Resident Forum meetings in the Annex.

Consideration was then given to the available options to:

·        Adopt the new model as proposed

·        Retain the status quo or

·        Adopt an amended version of the model

The Cabinet Member presented the report in more detail explaining the need for rebranding of the Neighbourhood Management Unit to better reflect the work being undertaken. It was confirmed that the new model was not prescriptive and allowed Members to be freed up and continue with those parts that worked well, whilst developing new flexible ways of working. The earlier speaker’s comments were also supported.

RECOMMENDED:      That Council agree to the alteration of the Constitution to establish Resident Forums in place of Ward Committees, as described in paragraph 12 of the report, to include a revised mechanism to agree the allocation of ward funding, as described in paragraph 15 of the report. ^1.

REASON:           To actively engage York’s residents in their wards.