Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:

The council established 3 Neighbourhood Community Planning (NCP) projects in Abbey, Arbury and Kings Hedges in the late 1990s. The idea behind this approach was to try and address the lack of opportunity for residents in wards with lower levels of income and higher levels of deprivation, to improve communication, consultation and participation and build a stronger sense of local ownership within these wards.

 

The report made recommendations about the future funding of the three NCPs for consideration.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health

The Executive Councillor resolved to:

 

       I.      To acknowledge the achievements of the 3 NCP projects;

    II.      To note and support the progress and direction for the projects described in paras 5.1 to 5.5 of the Officer’s report.

 III.      To request officers to consult on and agree with each project a practical development plan which respects the differential positions from which each starts, and safeguards - and if possible expands – their capacity to deliver.

IV.      To report back to the scrutiny committee in the October cycle.

 

Reason for the Decision:

The project as an entity has not been formally reviewed since its inception. This report summarised the work of each NCP project since it began, highlighting their considerable success, key achievements and identifying how each NCP aims to continue delivering work in the future.

 

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations:

The committee received a report from the Head of Community Development regarding the review of Neighbourhood Community Planning Project in Arbury, Abbey and Kings Hedges.

 

In response to the report the committee made the following comments.

             I.      The good work achieved to-date was recognised.

          II.      The review was not intended to save money.

       III.      The three groups would be encouraged to seek independent funding in the future but it was recognised that this might be a long-term aspiration.

      IV.      It was recognised and applauded, that the Kings Hedges group had made progress towards independence.

 

In view of on-going discussions, Councillor Kightley proposed the following amended recommendations:

 

·        To acknowledge the achievements of the 3 NCP projects

·        To note and support the progress and direction for the projects described in paras 5.1 to 5.5 of the Officer’s report.

·        To request officers to consult on and agree with each project a practical development plan which respects the differential positions from which each starts, and safeguards - and if possible expands – their capacity to deliver; to report back to the scrutiny committee in the October cycle.

 

Members expressed support for the amended recommendations.

 

The Scrutiny Committee considered and endorsed the amended recommendation by 9 votes to 0 (unanimously).

 

The Executive Councillor for Community Development and Health approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

N/A