Issue - meetings

This report proposes a new model of Neighbourhood Working through which the Council will work with partners to deliver better services for York’s communities.

RESOLVED:       (i)      That the model of Neighbourhood Working

                                      be adopted, including the arrangements for:

i.             Community Contracts, as set out in paragraphs 9 and 10 of the report

ii.            Ward funding, as set out in paragraph 11 of the report

iii.           A new remit for the Neighbourhood Management and Equalities Teams, as set out in paragraph 14 of the report

(ii)      That it be recommended to Council that there be a change in the Council’s constitution in respect of ward committee arrangements, as set out in the Annex to the report.

(iii)     That the Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, be instructed to:

i.             Carry out a restructure of the Neighbourhood Management Unit and Equalities Team under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation in order to deliver the new model.

ii.            Deliver the new “Love where you Live” approach.

iii.           Procure a third sector management organisation to undertake the administration of the voluntary sector funding pot.

REASON:            To deliver better services for York’s communities.

[See also under  Part B minutes]

This item was the subject of pre-decision call-in.

Members considered a report that proposed a new model of Neighbourhood Working through which the Council would work with partners to deliver better services for York’s communities. 

It was noted that paragraph 19 of the report should read... “There will be three ward publications a year for each ward...”

The Cabinet Member stated that the proposed model of working had taken into account the financial situation and the changing demographics.  It would be more efficient than the current arrangements and would bring improvements for Members, residents and the voluntary sector. There would be clear channels for reporting problems and ward credits would enable funding to be targeted where it was most needed.  No decisions had yet been made in respect of staffing.

Members stated that there were a number of flaws in the current arrangements and they expressed their support for the proposed model of Neighbourhood Working.  It would enable resources to be allocated  where they were most needed.

Discussion took place regarding the importance of ensuring that there was a fair allocation of youth services in wards and that these were linked to need.  The provision of activities for young people was an important issue for many residents.

RESOLVED:       That the Cabinet make the following in principle decisions, pending consideration by the Scrutiny Management (Calling In) Committee on 26 March 2012:

(i)   That the model of Neighbourhood 

Working be adopted, including the arrangements for:

i.             Community Contracts, as set out in paragraphs 9 and 10 of the report

ii.            Ward funding, as set out in paragraph 11 of the report

iii.           A new remit for the Neighbourhood Management and Equalities Teams, as set out in paragraph 14 of the report

(ii)      That the Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, be instructed to:

i.             Carry out a restructure of the Neighbourhood Management Unit and Equalities Team under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation in order to deliver the new model.

ii.            Deliver the new “Love where you Live” approach.

iii.           Procure a third sector management organisation to undertake the administration of the voluntary sector funding pot.

REASON:            To deliver better services for York’s communities.