Issue - meetings

To consider a report by Councillor Hugh Evans, Leader and Lead Member for the Economy (copy enclosed) presenting a new model of community planning for the Council.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       agrees that the Town and Area Plans for each Member Area Group area in the Council are no longer required, and

(b)       that the new system of community planning described in the report be adopted.

Councillor Hugh Evans presented the joint report with Councillor Huw Jones describing a new model of community planning for the Council with particular emphasis on the need to move away from Town and Area Plans (TAPs) in favour of a new flexible system with a wider application.

Councillor Evans elaborated on the proposed new model which had been developed following consultation with Town Champions and Member Area Groups (MAGs) and focused on developing an enabling, community driver approach to community planning with the Council providing support and advice when required.  If approved officers would develop a ‘toolkit’ to help communities develop their own plans.  Advice and support would be provided by the Council subject to the project being supported by the Local Member or MAG and in cases where local leadership was lacking in order to help develop that provision, such as in deprived or isolated rural areas.  The Council would not support any proposal that did not comply with relevant legislation, conflicted with Council objectives or was not an efficient use of public resources.  Councillor Evans suggested that the next Council launch the new approach in order to raise awareness and also monitor progress.  Councillor Huw Jones also highlighted links to the Corporate Plan and merits of local members being involved and supporting the new process for the benefit of their communities.

During consideration of the report members discussed the following –

·         highlighted the importance of drawing on existing experience and successes across the county and there were suggestions for a mentoring scheme and also provision of a database/directory which could be accessed for community use in order to support and facilitate the development of new projects, including external funding streams and grant sources available for community projects

·         concern was expressed that smaller rural areas would not have the necessary inclination or skills to develop ideas and assurances were sought that those communities would not become disenfranchised as a result of the new approach.  Councillor Evans explained the intention to ensure that no community would lose out and it was accepted that communities needed to be encouraged.  The new approach would help develop community resilience, meet new legislative requirements, and would be further developed by the new Council following cessation of the TAPs

·         the need to revisit governance arrangements for the new approach was raised.  The role of Town Champions was linked to TAPs and delivery of those projects but under the new inclusive approach there would be a critical role for all members.  It was suggested that a broad outline of the new approach and the role of councillors in facilitating community planning be scheduled for Council Briefing as early as possible following May’s elections and that specific member training in that regard be arranged on the new model.

Councillor Joan Butterfield drew attention to disadvantaged groups in Rhyl and whilst she agreed that local councillors should take the lead under the new approach, she also stressed the importance of support from the Council, particularly for groups who did not have the expertise to develop projects or access funding.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       agrees that the Town and Area Plans for each Member Area Group area in the Council are no longer required, and

(b)       that the new system of community planning described in the report be adopted.