Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – Communities, which outlined the spending profiles of the Local Area Forums for the financial period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.

Members were advised that Local Area Forums were set up in 2001 to take policy development into communities, bridging the gap between key agencies working within the Borough.  Each Local Area Forum (LAF) was led by the respective local Councillors and supported by a Senior Officer from the Council.  Other partner organisations such as the Police, Fire Service, Housing Associations, youth and voluntary sector bodies also attended LAF’s to keep the community informed of local developments and to respond to local concerns. 

It was commented that in 2011-12, £600,000 was allocated to the seven Area Forums which was then divided between them on a per capita basis (a breakdown of this funding was provided in the report).  The local communities were then invited to attend their local forum and were encouraged to provide ideas for neighbourhood projects that would enhance their local area.

The report provided information on the areas of expenditure of the LAF’s as a whole, these were categorised into key areas: Landscapes; Safety; Youth Facilities; Improved Parks; Pedestrian Access; Security and Other.  Additionally, breakdowns were provided of the individual expenditure for each of the seven Area Forums, using the above categories.

Members were referred to Appendix A (revised funding application form) and Appendix B (revised funding approval letter) which were discussed and agreed by Members. 

The following comments were made and noted following debate:

·         Area Forum Funding cannot be used for projects that would require ongoing revenue funding from the Council;

·         Projects must contribute to one or more of the Council’s priorities;

·         A working party scrutinising the Area Forums existed and would be reporting to the Corporate Policy and Performance Board later in the year;

·         Members offered their thanks to the Area Forum Projects Coordinator in assisting the Area Forums to obtain external funding;

·         Each Area Forum would receive its own funding report for 2011-12; and

·         Each Area Forum should also receive the full report considered by this PPB.

RESOLVED:  That the revised Local Area Forums funding application form and funding approval letter be agreed.