Agenda and minutes

Apologies received were given

There were no declarations of interest.

• Covers: (1) Actions outstanding (2) Minutes from previous meeting (3) LSP Board Work plan
• Background material:(1) Minutes of 21^st September (2) LSP Board Work Plan
• Desired outcomes: LSP Board’s (1)  Agreement on minutes  (2) Understanding of action item status (3) Noting and adding to the LSP Board Work Plan

The detailed note of the meeting held on 21^st September 2010 was agreed as a correct record.

There were no additions to the Forward Plan.

• Covers: (1) Round table update from each agency on the CSR implications. Includes work of the LSP working group on emerging issues arising from the CSR and budget cuts. 
• Background material:(1) Agenda Item 4 ( Understanding the Implications of the CSR)
• Desired outcomes: LSP Board (1) Provide recent updates on any emerging implications for their agency / sector  arising from the CSR and any subsequent Government announcements (2) Note and comment on the update from the LSP Working Group

David Trethewey introduced the agenda item. It was explained that at the request of the LSP Board, an officer working group has been established to investigate the recent impacts resulting in changes since the CSR and the election. The working group has begun to focus on people and places that are at potential risk.

Gary Davies updated that the settlement has now been given by central government for the Police. Over the next four years there will be a £40-£41m cut. The majority of the first year cuts will come out of back office services. Recruiting for new officers will be frozen. After year 1, it is anticipated that frontline savings will be made. Neighbourhood policing will be 90% ringfenced.

The issue of joining up functions with partners or other local authorities was raised. It was explained that there are already strong link ups with health services. However in other cases such as revenues and benefits it is not viable to combine services and instead it is better to provide a more focused service.

Work is ongoing about ways to provide services through different providers, in particular in the context of the new powers proposed in the Localism Bill.

It was requested that poor housing is added as an extra impact to the CSR Implications report paper.

It was agreed that

Poor housing will be added as an extra impact to the CSR Implications report paper.

The update was noted.

• Covers: (1) Update on discussions with the LSP Task Group on use of the Fund and next steps
• Background material:(1) Agenda Item 5( Local Area Agreement Performance Reward Grant Update) (2) Appendix 1 (Key Criteria and Principles for the Fund) (3) Appendix 2 (LAA PRG “Main Fund” Procedure Flowchart)  (4) Appendix 3 (LAA PRG Timetable)
• Desired outcomes:LSP Board (1) To note and comment on the updates from the Task Group and LSP Executive, 2) To provide a steer on the proposed procedure mapped out in Appendix 2, 3) To note the next steps of the process in Appendix 3, 4) To recommend the process to the Council, who as the accountable body will be required to provide sign-off.

David Trethewey introduced the agenda item. The LSP Executive has also fed into this process. It is anticipated that approximately £1.2m will be claimed. £1m of this amount will go into the main fund for large projects. There will also be a smaller community chest fund.

The issue of projects being sustainable was discussed and it was explained that it was an important factor for projects to be sustainable because the funding will be given as one off funding.

Information about the fund will be made available publicly and councillors will have access to contact names in the theme delivery partnerships.

It was discussed that part of the criteria for projects should involve the bringing in of funding from other sources. This is particularly important for larger projects.

The community chest fund application process should be as simple and as straightforward as possible and should reflect the relatively low financial reward on offer. The ward councillors’ initiative was cited as a scheme, which shows best practice for managing small grants.

It was agreed that

The process for the LAA Performance Reward Grant articulated in the report is endorsed 

• Covers: (1) Presentation and update on the work of the Economic Partnership & any requests they may have to the Board  
• Background material: To be tabled 
• Desired outcomes: LSP Board discuss the work of the Sustainable Growth Alliance and consider any requests the Alliance may make to the Board

John Wilkinson and Stan Frith presented the agenda item and highlighted the work that the Sustainable Growth Alliance (SGA) has undertaken this year. Notably, the Economic Strategy was launched this year. The SGA’s primary role is to hold partners to account for the delivery of this strategy. Other highlights in 2010 included GWE supporting over one hundred businesses and the creation of 44 future job fund placements.

The emerging LEP agenda will be taken into account in the further development of the Economic Strategy to provide coherent policy for the area. There will be no extra money for LEPs.

The issue of super fast broadband in rural areas was raised. Stan Frith explained that this is a significant issue and ways are being explored to improve coverage.

The update was noted.

• Covers: (1) Presentation and update on the work of the Environmental Sustainability Partnership & any requests they may have to the Board  
• Desired outcomes: LSP Board  discuss the work of the Environmental Sustainability Partnership and consider any requests the Partnership may make to the Board
• Background material: To be tabled 

Cllr Chares Gerrish and Jane Wildblood presented the update. It was explained that a great deal of work has been done this year in the Environmental Sustainability Partnership (ESP). The first step of this year’s work was to make sure that the Council was in a position to lead the way in sustainability. Subsequently, work has been done to develop the partnership structure and to develop new projects including the future proofing of buildings and beginning to address fuel poverty.

Key events in 2011 will include the Total Place reports being due in March, and potential opportunities to link up with the LEP. Next February, there will also be a report by the Energy Savings Trust on the area that will include information on transportation.

The issue of excess winter deaths was raised. A request was made for more information and whether a broader partnership response was needed.

The issue of energy monitors were raised and it was stated that they are available from local libraries.

The linkages with the ESP and the PCT were discussed and it was agreed that further dialogue will take place particularly around the representation in the ESP.

Key Actions 

·  Request to Health and Wellbeing Sponsor to consider if broader to excess winter deaths is required.

·  Linkages with the Environmental Sustainability Partnership and Primary Care Trust to be further developed

• Covers: (1) An update across the LSP on: ‘Resources’, ‘Updates and Progress’ and ‘Performance and Risk’ from the period of May-August 2010.
• Background material: Agenda item 8 (LSP Board Dashboard Report)
• Desired outcomes: LSP Board notes and comments on the dashboard

David Trethewey introduced the agenda item. A full report on the LSP Annual Forum is currently being finalised and will be available in the New Year.

The dashboard was noted

Cllr Haeberling thanked all members for attending and closed the meeting. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 23^rd March at 2pm in the Aix en Provence Room, The Guildhall.

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