Issue - meetings

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the initial review of the 18 LCNs and agreed the amended Terms of Reference for LCNs.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt Philip, to introduce the report.

The Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt Philip, introduced the report highlighting: the establishment, operation and development of the 18 LCNs; the key role of LCN participants; the role of LCN Working Groups; learning from the Exmoor pilot; and that LCNs are in their fifth round with Annual General Meetings planned for June and July 2024.

The LCN Development and Engagement Manager, Kate Hellard, further added to above points, highlighting: the focus of the paper primarily on changing the Terms of Reference but also to highlight current work regarding governance, staffing and support, geographies, participation and stakeholders; the detailed discussion at the Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Resources on 25 April 2024, and the agreement to establish a Scrutiny Task and Finish Group to inform a wider review; and work to create meetings that facilitate participation form all.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: acknowledgment of the work of Members, officers, partners and stakeholders; local commissioning work and funding accountability, local funding, equitable share of costs and the impact on smaller Parish Councils; LCN definition within the One Somerset Business Case; LCN foundations, ambition and developments priorities and developing local solutions; the key role and positive impact of LCN Working Groups to better understand priorities to create and deliver action plans; the progress of LCNs and continued work to build relationships on an asset based approach to community development and facilitate communities working together to affect positive change locally; and LCNs as a conduit for Somerset residents given the amalgamation of the five Councils and disestablishment of District Councils;

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the initial review of the 18 LCNs and agreed the amended Terms of Reference for LCNs.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?