Agenda and minutes

The detailed note of the meeting held on 15^th December 2009 was agreed as a correct record.

There were no declarations of interest. 

Cllr Haeberling gave a recap of the significant changes to national politics since the last meeting and the emerging impact this is having on public sector finances.  She reminded the Board of the need to focus on the most vulnerable people in society during these times and showed a short film which is part of the Council’s Changing Lives campaign. 

The film received positive feedback from the Board. 

Implications of the Current Position

David Trethewey gave a short presentation which set out the changes to policy, performance and inspection frameworks and the large cuts in spending being faced by Government departments and implications for agencies round the table.  Each agency gave a short update as to the position as they understood it:

·  Council – circa £3.4 million 

·  NHS - £11 million savings this financial year

·  Police - £3 million savings this financial year

·  Fire & Rescue – 15-20% cuts over 3 year period

·  Somer Housing – Examination of housing benefits and supporting people funding likely

The discussion focussed on the need to harness capacity from all partners around the table, looking at the most appropriate place for a service to be delivered, ie whether at a community or parish level, from the voluntary sector or at a sub regional level.  The need to ensure that cuts are viewed holistically was also vital so each agency was not working on this in isolation without any view of how their activities would impact on others.  It was agreed that Total Place was an important concept to hold onto.

It was felt that information needs to be forthcoming from Government as soon as possible so that agencies can effectively plan.  GOSW agreed to raise the issue of timing with Government.

The following was summarised as being the key activities for the LSP:

·  Do we stay with the vision for the area?

·  Do we review the short term objectives for meeting the vision

·  What are our priorities given there is less money

·  Be honest with people that things will have to change and that agencies cannot keep providing the same services with less funding

·  Focus on outcomes and not structures – be clear on what the long term vision for the area is and what the immediate priorities are now.

Agreed that:

The Board meets again in the autumn once the financial implications for each organisation are clearer.

Key Actions:

·  Request for information from Government to be communicated to Local Authorities as soon as possible.  (Action 42)

LSP Dashboard

Annette Pearson introduced the concept of a dashboard as a standing agenda item for the LSP Board to give an overview of activity across the LSP. 

In the discussion, the Board felt that up to date performance information was important but that a contextual narrative was needed to explain any issues. 

Agreed that:

The dashboard becomes a standing item on the LSP Board agendas.

Key Actions

·  Contextual narrative is included in the performance section of the dashboard  (Action 43)

Somer Community Housing Trust – Inspection Report

John Bader and Angela Gascoigne introduced the inspection report received from the Audit Commission which looked at gas safety, voids and lettings service.  The report highlighted a number of areas where Somer either had or were in the middle of making changes to streamline their processes and practices.  Work was underway on tenant profiling and understanding communities better.  David Trethewey offered assistance in this regard as it linked with customer profiling work underway in the Council.  The Board felt it was important for there to be shared story in understanding the equalities make up and characteristics of communities in order to better provide services to them. 

Key Actions

·  Join up work on tenant and customer profiling work underway by Somer and the Council(Action 44)

None

The Role of the LSP Board – Moving Forward

Sarah Brown introduced a draft work plan for future meetings of the Board based on feedback received from Board members at the workshop in March.  There was a standing invitation open to Board members to add items for discussion to the work programme.

Agreed that:

The workplan was agreed.

Sarah Brown then introduced the draft terms of reference for the LSP Board for comments.  Following discussion, it was agreed that the following amendments were needed:

·  Clearer wording on the role of the CDRP and how it would be fulfilled by the LSP Board. 

·  Add the word “delivery” to the Stronger Communities Delivery Partnership

Chris Head made a request that considerations are given as to how the Voluntary Sector representative could adequately consult with sector members prior to the LSP Board meeting. 

Key Actions

·  Look at ways for the Voluntary & Community Sector LSP Board representative to engage with sector members in advance of the LSP Board meetings.  (Action 45)

(Actions will be shown once, then removed from subsequent minutes)