Agenda and minutes

There were no Declarations of Interest made.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meetings held on 27^th November and 4^th December, 2006 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chairman.

Minute No. 73 – Update on Parish Councils

Changes to the Action Plan had been recommended and should be incorporated.

Minute No. 74 – Visit to London

This item would be included as part of the agenda scheduled to take place on the 22^nd January, 2007.

Minute No. 77 – Opportunity for All

A copy of this report would be circulated for all Members’ information.

Minute No. 79 – Community Cohesion Performance Report

Councillor Hussain had presented this report to two Scrutiny Panels and received positive feedback.

Minute No. 85 – Community Leadership Fund

A BIP was being prepared and would be considered as part of the budget discussions on the 19^th December, 2006.

Consideration was given to a report submitted by the Community Leadership Manager, which provided Members with an overview of the proposed development of a network of Parish Councils which would allow Officers and Members from the Local Authority to discuss issues with several parishes at once. This would enable Parish Councils to have the opportunity to meet together to network, share ideas and consider resource issues.  It would be through this network that potential Parish Councils could be nominated to external bodies such as the Proud Theme Board and Area Assembly Co-ordinating Groups subject to consultation around the remit and focus of the network.

The first meeting was planned for the 27th January, 2007 to be held at the Town Hall and the format of future meetings would be agreed at that session.

A discussion ensued on the differing sizes and capacity of Parish Councils and the difficulties associated with parished and unparished areas.  A discussion with relevant officers was suggested prior to the event on the 27^th January, 2007.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress being made with developing closer joint working relations with Parish and Town Councils through the formation of a network of local Councils be noted.

(2)  That relevant officers and Members meet to consider Parish Councils prior to the event on the 27^th January, 2007.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Andrew Towlerton, Policy and Research Manager, which detailed the agreed review of parish boundaries in the Borough by the Council over the next eighteen months. This report considered the scope, arrangements and timescale for this review.  It also outlined proposals contained in the recent Local Government White Paper to enhance the role and functions of Parish Councils, many of which would have a direct impact on the Review process.

Specific reference was made to the proposed four stage process, the provisional timetable for completion and the changes necessary to the reporting process.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the scope, arrangements and timescales for the Review under the provisions of Part 2 of the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 be approved.

(2)  That regular progress reports as the review progresses be received.

(3)  That this report be referred to the Cabinet and Democratic Renewal Scrutiny Panel.

Andrew Towlerton, Policy and Research Manager, confirmed that the black profile was to be completed this financial year, but had been delayed due to the need for an assessment on the gypsy and traveller community.

Discussion ensued on the definition of the profile and how this would be made up.

Resolved:-  That the black profile be submitted at a later stage for consideration.

Colin Bulger, Head of Policy and Partnerships, confirmed that progress by Voluntary Action Rotherham would continue on a three month basis. 

There had been some funding issues with the Service Level Agreement, which were in the process of being resolved.  Board representation for relevant organisations were also being addressed by the management.

A meeting was arranged between the Council and Voluntary Action Rotherham later today, which hopefully would address some outstanding concerns around capacity building.

Resolved:-  That the information be noted.

Consideration was given to a report presented by Ian Squires, Regeneration Funding Manager, which provided a brief update on the current activity within both the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) 2006/08 Programme and also the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) Round 6.

Specific reference was also made to:-

·              NRF – Area Assembly NRF Allocations – Menu of Activities.

·              NRF Area Assembly Allocations.

·              NRF Delivery Plan – Equipment for the Disabled.

·              NRF Quarter 2 Performance Monitoring.

·              NRF/SRB Reserve Registration of Interest Forms.

·              NRF Cross Cutting Adult Social Services (Older People) Project Reprofile.

·              SRB Neighbourhood Wardens.

·              SRB Project – Met UK.

·              SRB Valley Environmental Programme – Variable Grant Approval and Spend Recovery Plan.

·              SRB Quarter 2 Performance Monitoring.

The current activity would be closely monitored in partnership with the relevant officers.

Resolved:-  (1) That the progress on both funding streams be noted.

(2)  That updates as part of a regular report on external funding bids/programmes be provided on a quarterly basis.

A copy of the updated Forward Plan was circulated to all those at the meeting by the Head of Policy and Partnerships.

It was suggested that the agenda items be grouped accordingly into the following categories:-

·              For Decision/Approval.

·              For Discussion/Progress.

·              For Information.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the Forward Plan be approved.

(2)  That the revised planned workload be received at each meeting.

(3)  That the agenda items be specifically categories for each meeting.

The Cabinet Member offered his congratulations to Colin Bulger, Head of Policy and Partnerships, for his new Assistant Chief Executive post and thanked him for his support and hard work during the year.

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion take place on Monday, 22^nd January, 2007, at 8.30 a.m.

The Cabinet Member also took the opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.