Decision details

7.1

The Terms of Reference for Local Area Committees (LACs) provide that each LAC must agree a Community Plan setting priorities for the area of the committee, monitor delivery of that plan and keep it under review, and that the decisions it makes in relation to funding must fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.

7.2

Through public consultation, the North LAC has developed a new draft Community Plan for 2023/24 that seeks to identify the key issues within the area and develop a series of priorities that will inform the direction of the LAC, and direct the spending of delegated budgets, where the LAC has authority to do so.

8.8

RESOLVED: That the North Local Area Committee:-

(1)  Approves the North Community Plan as a statement of the priorities of the area, subject to any amendments being agreed by Members at the meeting on 26^th   September 2023.

(2)  Authorises the Community Services Manager to produce a final version of the Community Plan document, incorporating any amendments approved by the LAC at its meeting of 26^th September 2023, and to publish it on the webpages of the North Local Area Committee; and

(3)  Notes that future LAC decisions relating to funding must fit with the priorities set out in the Community Plan and following engagement with the community.

8.9

Reasons For Decision

The proposal to approve the North LAC Community Plan is recommended on the basis that the Plan provides a clear framework in how the LAC will direct its resources to address key issues identified through community consultation.

8.10

Alternatives Considered And Rejected

A key element in establishing LACs is the principle that each LAC will develop a Community Plan. An alternative would have been to retain the previous plan but it is important to carry out fresh consultation and update plans to ensure they are an up to date summary of local issues and priorities. The proposed plan builds upon the previous plan agreed in March 2022 and the work that has taken place since it was adopted.