Issue - meetings

This report proposes further development of the Council’s approach to neighbourhood working, following the Council’s commitment to the creation of a new relationship with its residents and communities.

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

·          Approve the direction of travel set out in paragraphs 7-23

·          Agree to receive further reports on the detail of these proposals.

Reason:     To update Cabinet on the Council’s commitment to the creation of a new relationship with its residents and communities.

Consideration was given to a report which set out proposals for further development of the Council’s approach to neighbourhood working.

Although the Authority had a strong tradition of community engagement it was felt that there was a need to consolidate the approach to empower local residents. The development of this approach, including support for ward members as community champions together with the resources which would be available to wards to support this engagement was detailed in the report and annexes.

Officers referred to the number of different elements which would form the new approach which would allow flexibility, however the detail, with input from ward members would be brought back to Cabinet for final agreement. It was noted that the five models of accountability at ward/area level at Annex A of the report had been compiled by Elizabeth Richardson of York University.

Members acknowledged that the direction of travel would provide local accountability and it was

Resolved:  That Cabinet agree to:

·               Approve the direction of travel set out in paragraphs 7-23 of the report

·               Agree to receive further reports on the detail of these proposals.  ^1.

Reason:     To update Cabinet on the Council’s commitment to the creation of a new relationship with its residents and communities.