Agenda item
Cabinet Decision Called-in: New Partnership Structures (CAB 075/112)
To consider Cabinet Report (CAB 075/112) New Partnership Structures which has been called-in.
Minutes:
The Chair welcomed Councillors Bill Turner, David Edgar and Denise Jones who had called-in the decision together with Councillors, Anwar Khan, Joshua Peck, Rajib Ahmed, and Shiria Khatun in accordance with the provisions of Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution and also welcomed Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor together with Shazia Hussain Service Head Localisation who were in attendance to respond to the call-in.
Councillor Turner with Councillors Edgar and Jones presented the reasons for the call-in outlining their concerns. Following this they responded to questions from the Committee.
The concerns highlighted together with answers to the Committee’s questions are summarised in the following categories:
It was noted that there was support for the proposed changes to the Partnership Executive, Partnership Board and Community Plan Delivery Groups (CPDG). However there were concerns in the following areas:
· Democratic Accountability
Members welcomed the principle of empowering residents but were concerned that there should be a role for ward Councillors; this was not clear. It was felt the proposed structure did not align with the Localism Act, as it did not include Local Councillors formally within the partnership as a link to the local community.
There were a number of concerns around the recruitment and role of the Community Champions. There was insufficient information in the report on their recruitment, their role and responsibilities and how they will be supported. It was not clear what their role would be in relation to Ward Councillors.
The Mayor’s Assemblies did not seem a sufficient accountability mechanism between the Mayor and residents. Committee Members were concerned that they would not give adequate time for discussion between the Mayor and residents. Further consultation on the format of these should be considered, to ensure they effectively engage residents and listen to their views.
It was not clear which of the Community Plan Delivery Groups would be responsible for cultural services and issues; this should not be neglected as it is of major importance to residents and ensures better involvement and lasting benefits.
· Costs
It was not clear how the new structure will be supported and funded, and argued that the identified funding of £90,000 was insufficient to bring about change.
· Timescales
The timetable for the launch of the new local arrangements was considered too tight for successful implementation, with much of the detail still to be written.
· Lack of Consultation
Non-Executive Members and LAP Steering Group members had not been consulted about the proposals prior to their publication in the Cabinet agenda and were disappointed since they had been an important part of the previous arrangements and were able to offer viewpoints which could inform the successful development of a new structure.
Winding-up of the old arrangements, had been poorly handled. The LAP steering groups had simply been left to lapse without any formal closure. Any new arrangements would have to ensure that resident involvement was meaningful and instilled confidence in the effectiveness of the new structure.
Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor and Shazia Hussain, Service Head Localisation responded to the concerns raised by the call-in Councillors and answered questions from the Committee. The responses together with answers to the Committee’s questions are summarised in the following categories:
· Democratic Accountability
The proposed New Partnership Structures intended to give more say to local people. The recommendations were based on structures through which residents would be empowered.
It was intended that local Councillors be involved in Community Forums without affecting empowerment of local people. They wouldl also have a role in driving forward the new structures
CPDGs would be overseen by senior Partnership Group Members
Community Champions roles would be advertised widely in local areas, with Champions selected by officers following a fair recruitment process. They would be trained and supported to build capacity in their Ward, empowering other residents to set the local agenda.
· Costs
Neighbourhood Renewal Funding has ceased therefore it will be necessary to consider costs realistically. In view of this internal Council staff would also be engaged in delivery
In addition to the £90,000 identified to resource the proposal, the Council intended to investigate how to source funding from other budgets and ensure that this was fairly distributed. The Service Head, Localisation agreed to provide details of funding allocation and advised that local forums would also receive funding
· Consultation
Councillors would have opportunity to be involved in this decision by offering their comments to Cabinet and had had other opportunities to raise any concerns but response to consultation had been poor.
Community consultation indicated that the Community wanted to set its agenda, therefore the New Partnership had been structured to achieve this in collaboration with local Councillors and the Council
The unsatisfactory winding up arrangements of previous LAP Steering Groups was acknowledged and an undertaking was given that there will be communications with members of these bodies.
· Community Champions
Community Champions would be recruited through the same processes as used in the previous area governance arrangements. Roles would be advertised in community centres and community groups etc… and there would be measures to access ‘hard to reach’ groups. Advertisement and recruitment will be undertaken by officers only based on recruiting those with the best expertise and skills for the role.
The Council would encourage people to apply for these roles and ensure that there was appropriate recruitment. It was also intended to expand the Community Champions’ role beyond one solely based in the community. All representatives would be local to their Local Community Forums and a Community Champions Programme would encourage participation.
To build capacity, Community Champions will be trained and supported after recruitment.
The Committee considered and discussed the views and comments made by all parties. Following this, Members resolved to refer the provision al Cabinet decision back to Cabinet asking that Cabinet give further consideration to the views and concerns presented in their referral report to be presented at Cabinet on 14 March 2012..
RESOLVED
That the call-in be referred back to Cabinet for further consideration and that the Cabinet note and comment in writing, and at cabinet on the matters set out in the referral report.
Supporting documents:
-
5.1 Partnerships Call-in cover report, item 5.1
PDF 106 KB
-
5.1a Call-In Appx 1 New Partnership Structures SH2601121410pm, item 5.1
PDF 245 KB
-
5.1b Call-in Appx 2 (CABINET Appx 1 partnership Terms of Reference SH2601121410pm), item 5.1
PDF 150 KB