Agenda item

5.1

Responses to questions from the Sheffield for Democracy representatives were provided as follows:-

Local Area Partnerships

The Chair, Councillor Chris Weldon, indicated that Members would be able to comment on the operation of the Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) when agenda item 11 was considered.  He added that a review of their operating arrangements was taking place and that the Committee would receive a report on the outcome of this when it had concluded.  It was emphasised that the Committee had always taken an interest in community engagement and had received reports on this where appropriate.  At the present time, it was important for the Committee to ensure that communications were taking place and that best practice was supported. 

Public Questions

The Chair apologised for the lateness of the response provided to the public questions received at the meeting held on 25^th September 2014, which he considered to be unacceptable.  He understood that the Council guidelines for responding to public questions was 10 working days and these would be followed in so far as it was possible.  The Policy and Improvement Officer was asked to explore the possibility of having the written responses to public questions published for the public record. 

5.2

In conclusion, the Chair informed the questioners that they would receive a full written response to these questions within the guideline response time.