Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Burton to her first meeting as an adviser. He also expressed his appreciation of the services of Councillor Doyle during his time as an adviser.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet Member for Community Planning and Social Inclusion held on 14th May, 2004 be received.

Unity Centre

Following reference to suggestions that consideration be given to bringing together services to BME communities under one umbrella, discussion ensued on how to progress consideration of the matter and the wide consultation that would be needed.

A co-ordinated, strategic overview regarding support to black and minority ethnic communities was desirable and issues were highlighted regarding resources, various supporting organisations, involvement with groups helping to support black and minority ethnic communities.

The importance of identifying the relevant issues and how to progress from there was stressed.

Resolved:- That the Social Inclusion Manager identify relevant issues and report further to this meeting.

(Councillor Ali declared a personal interest in the above item).

-                Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (Attached at Appendix A).

-                Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder.

-                Voluntary Action Rotherham.

-                Valley Community Partnership.

Consideration was given to a report presented by the Social Inclusion Manager, together with the External Affairs Manager outlining progress in relation to a number of key programmes and initiatives.

A. Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy

Consideration was given to the submitted Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy which had been updated and completed to reflect the views of a wide range of stakeholders. The Strategy set out a long term plan for tackling disadvantage in defined geographical communities and communities of interest.

The purpose of the Strategy was to :-

(i) Deliver against national priorities as outlined in the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal and contribute to the delivery of national floor targets;

(ii) Ensure the effective delivery of Rotherham’s Community Strategy at neighbourhood level, to ensure all communities benefit;

(ii) Reduce inequalities and “close the gap” between Rotherham’s most deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the Borough.

The Strategy would be a key document for the Borough, shaping the expenditure plans of agencies in the public, private, voluntary and community sectors. A major task for the new services currently being developed within the Council would be to ensure effective linkages between community plans and the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy in order that residents were empowered to shape investment plans and service delivery in the most disadvantaged neighbourhood.

Discussion ensued and covered the following issues :

-           strengthening of the document

-           strengthening the ability to tackle issues now as well as tackling underpinning issues

-           relationships between community partnerships and the local authority

It was noted that the document would be submitted to the Corporate Management Team and subsequently the Cabinet.

Resolved:- That the information be noted.

B. Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder

Consideration was given to a brief progress report highlighting initiatives developed.

Resolved:- That a presentation on progress with the Pathfinder be given to this meeting in October, 2004.

C. Voluntary Action Rotherham

Consideration was given to the submitted report indicating that Voluntary Action Rotherham had now formally signed service level agreements relating to funding for core costs and community development work.

It was also noted that they had now completed their business plan and the Board was keen to meet the Cabinet Member and Advisers to share ideas for the future.

Resolved:- That arrangements be made to meet Board representatives as now discussed.

D. Valley Community Partnership

Consideration was given to the submitted report outlining progress in respect of the above, together with a request to consider future sponsorship of Valley Community Partnership key projects.

The Social Inclusion Manager reported the latest position regarding the management arrangements and evolving nature of the Partnership.

Resolved:- That the information be noted and consideration of the sponsorship request be deferred pending clarification of the Partnership’s position.

E. Restructuring of the Social Inclusion Unit

Consideration was given to the submitted report outlining progress in respect of the above. It was noted that there had been positive feedback from the recent all Members Seminar.

Resolved:- That the information be received.

Resolved:- That consideration be given to the following as agenda items for the next meetings of the Cabinet Member and Advisers :

(a)     Improving the co-ordination of services to BME communities

(b)     Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder

(c)     Voluntary Action Rotherham – meeting with Board representatives

(d)     Valley Community Partnership – update

(e)     Presentation by Alison Penn in respect of her new role in the Chief Executive’s Office

Resolved:- That the next meeting be held on Friday, 17^th September, 2004, commencing at 10.00 a.m.