To consider the future of Local Area Forums and agree how the Local Area Forums should progress as a community consultation mechanism.

THAT       (a)        the proposals contained in the report be agreed as a framework for development; (subject to the Northwest Forum being renamed Central Herefordshire; Local Area Forum Chairmen to be appointed by Group Leaders; and the special responsibility allowance for Chairmen of Local Area Forums being discontinued);

                 (b)further consultation on the details of the proposals is undertaken with groups listed under “consultees”;

and

                  (e)       subject to the outcome of the consultation, necessary amendments to the Constitution be drafted by the County Secretary and Solicitor, for recommendation to Council for approval.

1.               In August 2002, a paper outlining the progress of Local Area Forums since their inception in 1999 was taken to Cabinet. It outlined a number of areas for development under the current arrangements. Cabinet decided that a full-scale review be undertaken.

2.               Consultation was undertaken with a number of groups connected to the Local Area Forums in order to establish a baseline against which to measure future developments and gain information on the key areas of future development.

3.         The findings of the consultation have been used to formulate the following considerations.

Alternative proposals can be drawn up at the request of Cabinet