Agenda item

This report sets out a proposed approach for the establishment of community boards following consideration of the consultation results.

RESOLVED:

1.    To agree to set up 16 community boards, with terms of reference as set out in Appendix 2, and boundaries as set out in Appendix 4.

2.    To agree to allocate funding to community board areas to support local projects in accordance with the funding framework as set out in Appendix 3. In 2020/21 there will be three funding streams:

·   Community Area Priorities Fund

·   Health & Wellbeing Fund (one year only)

·   Local Infrastructure Fund

3.    To agree to give delegated authority to the portfolio holder for localism to appoint community board chairmen, normally the term of office shall be two years.

4.    To agree to review the performance of community boards annually, following the production of annual reports by each board, and to review boundaries in light of any future changes in electoral divisions.

Members received a report which outlined the proposed approach in the set-up of the new Community Boards following a 10 week consultation feedback.  It was highlighted that the community boards was a key deliverable of the Executive for the new authority.

It was highlighted that the proposal was for 16 community boards and this reflected feedback received as part of the consultation and fitted with community areas within reflective maps of where they work together.  Areas of best practice had been used within the design and staff resource was also built in.

Members praised the report and thanked officers and members that had worked on the development of the boards and those that had taken part in the consultation.  The boards were seen as an exciting part of the new authority and would be a work in progress that would be reviewed moving forward.

Some concerns were raised that only Buckinghamshire Council members could be voting members and that the Chairman would be appointed by the Portfolio Holder and a proposal was put forward to amend to the Chairman to be elected by the Community Board members and that all members of the board could vote.  The amendment was not agreed.  It was also noted that the Chairman of a board could allow indicative votes if required.

It was raised that the Local Infrastructure Fund Allocations 2020/21 had been based on the number of houses in existing local plans and that parish boundaries needed to be looked at in order to identify the correct housing numbers for a particular community board area.  Ms Turnbull agreed to review.

ACTION:Ms Turnbull

It was highlighted that localism was not just about Community Board but a wide range of solution which included devolution to town and parish councils, resident’s community access points and large amounts of money being devolved to make a difference in local communities.  It was also highlighted that communication going forward was key and the need to encourage resident participation.  It was stated that a communications plan was in place and community board would also be a part of the Member Induction programme in particular Chairman’s training.

RESOLVED:

1. To agree to set up 16 community boards, with terms of reference as set out in Appendix 2, and boundaries as set out in Appendix 4.
2. To agree to allocate funding to community board areas to support local projects in accordance with the funding framework as set out in Appendix 3. In 2020/21 there will be three funding streams:
   1. Community Area Priorities Fund
   2. Health & Wellbeing Fund (one year only)
   3. Local Infrastructure Fund
3. To agree to give delegated authority to the portfolio holder for localism to appoint community board chairmen, normally the term of office shall be two years.

To agree to review the performance of community boards annually, following the production of annual reports by each board, and to review boundaries in light of any future changes in electoral divisions.