To report to Cabinet decisions by the Herefordshire Partnership Chief Executives’ Group and Group leaders about the future of Community Forums.

Cabinet received the report on the decision of the Herefordshire Partnership Chief Executives’ Group and Group Leaders on the future of Community Forums.  Cabinet was reminded of the history of the Community Forums through to the current pilot style of forums which are run in conjunction with West Mercia Police and the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils (HALC).  Cabinet agreed the current forums had mixed success rates but were maintaining reasonable attendance figures from the public.  Cabinet agreed that the Herefordshire Partnership Group needed to address issues around style, advertising and the involvement of all partner organisations in the forums.  Cabinet was advised that the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Authority, as one of the Herefordshire Partnership organisations, was considering using the forums for public consultation.  It was agreed that as many partner organisations as possible needed to be involved with the forums to ensure the benefit to the community. 

Cabinet addressed the issue of the number of forums, which had now increased to 12, but also the location of the various forums in the county.  Cabinet agreed the need to expand the number of organisations using the forums and raised concerns that although the Police Consultative Committee was being disbanded, it was being replaced by another similar body.  Cabinet discussed the various possible differing styles for the forums and agreed they needed to be relatively brief and informal and that Councillors were able to talk with local residents.

RESOLVED

THAT:

(a)     the decisions by Herefordshire Partnership Chief Executives’ Group and Group Leaders referred to in the report be noted;

(b)      Community Forums be managed and badged by Herefordshire Partnership in the future; and

(c)       publicity, content, style, resourcing and involvement of all partner organisations be reviewed.

To receive a report on the pilot Community Forum/Partners and Communities Together (PACT)  meetings in November 2006, February 2007 and May/June 2007.