Issue - meetings

This report sets out the proposed framework for delivering investment in Community Enablement following budget decisions made at Full Council on 15^th February. It proposes an overall approach to enabling communities in Bath and North East Somerset to address local needs and concerns.

Councillor Paul Crossley made an ad hoc statement which was very supportive of the proposals.  He pointed out some particularly encouraging progress made in Whiteway and on the Southdown estate.  He endorsed the strategy because it would mean that the Council would learn to trust communities and to engage better with them.

[Councillor Terry Gazzard joined the meeting at this point.]

Councillor Malcolm Hanney, introducing the report, referred to the case studies in appendix 2 of the report.  He was delighted that £2M was being ploughed back into the community against a backdrop of government grants cuts.

Councillor Francine Haeberling said that through careful management the Council had been able to make funds available for community enablement.

Councillor Chris Watt was delighted that the VAT rebate was being made available for community use, and particularly that £150K had been added to the Youth Community fund.

Councillor Vic Pritchard was enthusiastic about the positive effect on the community of these extra funds.  He referred to the case study of Chew Valley Village Agents and the Whiteway regeneration, both of which had had a positive effect on the community.

Councillor Malcolm Hanney agreed with the previous speakers and observed that the strategy would enable communities to determine their own priorities.

Rationale

It is appropriate for the Cabinet to receive a report on the approach to this issue given the decisions made at Council

Other Options Considered

None

On a motion from Councillor Malcolm Hanney, seconded by Councillor Francine Haeberling, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1) To AGREE the overall approach to community enablement across Bath and North East Somerset;

(2) To NOTE the arrangements for each element of the Community Enablement Fund;

(3) To NOTE the examples of local initiatives, along with potential next steps;

(4) To AGREE that where possible the Community Enablement Fund will be used to build on and extend learning from this work ;

(5) To AGREE to update the Local Strategic Partnership on this report;

(6) To NOTE the appropriate LSP governance arrangements relating to the LAA Reward Grant.