Issue - meetings

A report was presented to the Board by the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which informed Members of the project delivery of the Local Area Forums for the financial period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

          Members were advised that Local Area Forums (LAF) provided a mechanism for Councillors to respond to community needs and aspirations.  Community initiatives and projects were generated which were delivered collaboratively with other partner organisations to help secure funding from a variety of sources.

It was reported that in 2018/19, £250,000 was allocated to Area Forums, split on a per capita basis across all seven Forums which covered the Borough. Details of the funding for each of the LAF’s, case study information and resident feedback was provided to demonstrate the impact LAF projects had made for Halton’s communities.  Projects funded through the LAFs were categorised into the following key areas:-

·       Children and Youth Facilities;

·       Community Events;

·       Community Resource and Equipment;

·       Community Initiatives;

·       Improved Parks;

·       Landscapes;

·       Pedestrian and Highway Improvements; and

·       Community Safety.

It was highlighted that the Area Forum budget had enabled the leverage of other grants and had secured funds from other bodies.  Overall, an additional amount of £28,251.56 was ‘levered’ in to support Area Forum projects, providing a total spend of £250,548.36.

Members welcomed the positive report and commented that it was important they were able to encourage and participate in community activities, with the help of Area Forum funding, which was considered a very rewarding part of being a Councillor.

RESOLVED: That the report be received.