Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Legal and Democratic Services on progress with the review of the Neighbourhood Forums in Huntingdonshire.

20 Minutes.

(County Councillor Sir P Brown and Councillor P L E Bucknell, Chairmen of the Huntingdon and Ramsey Neighbourhood Forums respectively, were in attendance for consideration of this item).

(At this point (9:00pm) Councillor Mrs J A Dew left the meeting).

Pursuant to Minute No. 11/36 and with the aid of a report prepared by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel was acquainted with the responses received from District Councillors, relevant County Councillors and Town and Parish Councils to consultation on the Neighbourhood Forums in Huntingdonshire.

County Councillor Sir P Brown and Councillor P L E Bucknell, Chairmen of the Huntingdon and Ramsey Neighbourhood Forums respectively, addressed the Panel on their experiences of the Neighbourhood Forums to date. Both commented that their Forums were in the early stages of development and that efforts were being made to enhance the way they worked to suit their local areas. County Councillor Sir P Brown reported that the Huntingdon Neighbourhood Forum had met the previous week, when a number of wide ranging issues had been discussed. Public attendance levels had increased and it was considered that this was a result of the issues which had been raised for discussion at the meeting. In his concluding remarks, County Councillor Sir P Brown commented that the Forums could be utilised as a vehicle for the delivery of the Localism agenda whilst at the same time providing an opportunity to reshape public services and to enhance public participation levels. Councillor P L E Bucknell concurred with the comments made and expressed support for the devolution of decision making powers to the Neighbourhood Forums.

In opening up the Panel’s discussions, the Chairman stated that the purpose of the review was not to dispense with the Forums but to improve the way they worked. He also expressed the view that the Forums needed to engage more directly and effectively with local groups, village associations and the local community. Having regard to public attendance levels, the Panel concurred with the point that this was largely dependent on the subject matter discussed at the meetings. Additionally, comment was made that the public generally preferred face to face engagement with public service providers. 

Whilst the Panel were supportive of the suggestion that decision making responsibilities should be devolved to the Neighbourhood Forums, Councillor Mrs D C Reynolds suggested that Members should take into account the budgetary implications that this would have at a time when the Council was trying to achieve efficiencies and generate savings. Members noted the views expressed by some respondents that the Forums might usurp the roles of the Parishes.

In referring to the devolution of decision making responsibilities to the Neighbourhood Forums, the Chairman was of the view that this resonated with Members' desire for decisions to be taken at a localised level. He also reported that the Deputy Executive Leader supported the idea of utilising the Forums as a consultation mechanism for the management of area budgets associated with the Community Infrastructure Levy. He then drew attention to the role of the Area Joint Committees, which might be performed by the Forums.

Owing to the extent of the detailed work required to pursue their investigations, the Panel decided to establish a Working Group. It was, therefore

RESOLVED

that Councillors S J Criswell, J J Dutton, S M Van De Kerkhove and R J West, together with Mr R Coxhead, be appointed onto a Working Group to undertake a review of the Neighbourhood Forums in Huntingdonshire.