Agenda item

This report provides an update on the Connecting Communities programme and highlights issues for consideration by the Panel.

The Chairman invited David Trethewey (Divisional Director – Policy and Partnership) and Andy Thomas (Group Manager – Partnership Delivery) to introduce the item.

The Panel made the following comments:

The Chairman commented that 4.2 (2) of the report should read 'A quicker response from the Council'.  The Chairman also asked what was the open tender process for the Re:generate Community Organised scheme, what track record and what monitoring is in place and whether or not they are reluctant to share their data.  The Chairman also highlighted page 26 of the report, Asset Transfer, and commented that he would like to see some kind of register of Asset Transfer applications so everyone can see what applications have been made and which of those were successful (and under what criteria). 

The Chairman also commented that page 31 of the report is looking at cluster arrangements and suggested that it would be useful having cross boundary work (i.e. work with partnership organisations in neighbouring authorities). 

The Chairman said that on the page 38 there was no overarching co-ordinated 3rd sector body to look into investment applications, much funding issues and opportunities.

David Trethewey responded that officer thought long and hard where to put the lines for clusters.  There is no coherent approach between agencies across BANES so this will try to recreate governance structure in the area and this will require some time.  These clusters will be supported through a toolkit of approaches, information and opportunities for local projects and joint working.  David Trethewey added that this will not stop joint work with organisations from other authorities. 

David Trethewey suggested that the Panel might want to look at the work that is going in the cluster around the activities that they are responsible for.  A key part of the cluster is to appoint a senior officer as contact point for the particular cluster. 

David Trethewey welcomed a suggestion from the Chairman regarding the register of Asset Transfer applications.

David Trethewey said that BANES is interesting area in terms of voluntary community sector support.  The area is not as big as Bristol or Wiltshire in terms of the capacity which does have an impact on how they, voluntary sector, access available funds.  David Trethewey commented that there is a range of support agencies available and suggested that the Panel could have a separate item on the agenda on that subject.

Peter Duppa-Miller (Secretary of the BANES Local Councils Association) welcomed the initiative.  Peter Duppa-Miller also said that communities in Bath could easier connect with each other whilst communities in North East Somerset not so due to considerable larger distance between communities with inadequate public transport.  The Council should also consider interaction, and connection, between the PACT, existing Parish Cluster Groups and Connecting Communities.  The report also looks to enhance the advocacy of the elected local Councillors. 

The Panel commented that they would wish to have clear understanding on how 'hard to reach' communities are included in this initiative.  Some Panel Members suggested that the Panel could get an update on how the PACT is working now and also a feedback on the Re:generate Community Organised scheme, as mentioned by the Chairman.

The Panel also commented that the Council should use the intelligence from local people and Ward Councillors in terms of the communities in their area. The Panel also suggested that the Council should use more social media to connect with local people.

Some Panel Members felt that the communities need to connect to the river as river connects everyone.

It was RESOLVED to note the report and for the officers to take on board comments made by the Panel.