Decision details

Purpose of report: To consider models of neighbourhood management, seek clarity over the corporate role of Neighbourhood Actions Plans, discuss options for devolution at a Ward Committee or Area Forum level, the impact of community call for action and the transfer of community assets, amongst other issues. The report also provides a context of the current structure of the Neighbourhood Management Unit and responds to the issues raised in the recent notice of motion submitted to the Executive by Councillor Potter.

Members are asked to consider the information provided and agree a way forward.

[See also under Part B minutes]

RESOLVED: (i)         That the content of the report, and in particular the potential opportunities available to strengthen neighbourhood delivery and communications, consultation and involvement of local people in local decisions, be welcomed.

                        (ii)        That, in respect of Issue A, a refreshed model of neighbourhood management broadly in line with Model 1 – increased democracy and participation – be approved, as exemplified in Annex 1 to the report.

                        (iii)       That, in respect of Issue B, Option 1 -  the continuation of a devolution model around delivery via ward committees, as existing, be approved, to support and facilitate engagement at a local level.

                        (iv)       That the development of Neighbourhood Action Plans (NAPs) be approved as a vehicle for delivering the adopted neighbourhood model and tying together the strategic vision of the City and the local vision (Issue C, Annex 2).

                        (v)        That the production of a citywide Consultation and Engagement Strategy be approved to support the refreshed neighbourhood model and consistent consultation across the Council (Issue D, Annex 3).

                        (vi)       That the successful delivery of ward committee local improvement schemes in York, via a participatory budgeting process be noted and that it be recognised that the continuation of this approach will assist the local authority as it continues to inform, consult and involve the local public in local decisions (Issue E, Annex 4).

                        (vii)      That, in respect of Issue F, Option 3 be approved and the Neighbourhood Management Unit (NMU) be requested to work with the Economic Development Unit on options for tackling deprivation in ward based communities.

                        (viii)     That it be noted that it may not be possible to provide additional support for building based community facilities from existing resources within the NMU, but it is anticipated that the demand for additional devolution of this sort will be limited in York (Issue G, Annex 6).

                        (ix)       That it be noted that the Councillor Call for Action (CcfA) will be implemented from April 2008 (Issue H, Annex 7)

                        (x)        That, in respect of Issue I, a review of working arrangements, with those parish councils that request it be approved, in line with Option 2 detailed in Annex 8 to the report, provided that any revised processes are cost neutral.

                        (xi)       That Officers be advised that additional resources are unlikely to be available to the NMU, but that any restructuring proposals considered to be essential can be the subject of a further report to the Executive at a later date.

                        (xii)      That the notice of motion referred to in paragraph 2 be referred to Council together with the recommendations of the Executive on the report.

REASON:      To respond to the issues raised within the Members’ Policy Prospectus on 23 May 2007 and the notice of motion to Council and to provide guidance on options for the future delivery of Neighbourhood Management.