To update the Cabinet on the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 and to make recommendations on its implementation in Herefordshire in the light of the recent invitation from the Secretary of State to submit proposals under the Act.

Cabinet was advised by the Parish Liaison and Rural Services officer that the report on the Proposal and Action Plan to Address the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 was intended to update Cabinet on the Act and to make recommendations on its implementation in Herefordshire in light of the recent invitation from the Secretary of State to submit proposals.  It was stated that the government paper sets out the process and Cabinet was being asked whether it wished to participate in the process, with the recommendation being to accept the invitation.  It was added that the risk was the raising of expectations of the communities as to how much influence they would have on central government policy.  The cost identified would not exceed £10k.  It was hoped that there would be some government funding available, although this still needed to be investigated. 

Cabinet was advised of the consultation process that would be carried out, which would be through the local media, parish councils, and community organisations.  Proposals would then be submitted to the Citizen’s Panel for prioritisation and any additional proposals.  There would also be consultation with under represented groups such as youth, travellers and migrants.  Once the proposals had been collated they would then be presented to Cabinet.  Cabinet was concerned over the short time frame to consult with the various groups, including the Hereford Association of Local Councils (HALC) and the Herefordshire Partnership.  It was requested that a briefing note be prepared for Members in order obtain their views and consider any suggestions.  The Director of Regeneration reminded Cabinet that this would be an annual process and therefore any complex suggestions could be held over to the following year. 

RESOLVED

         THAT:

         (a)         the invitation from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to submit proposals under section 2(1) of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 be accepted;

         (b)         the commencement of a local process for identifying the proposals for submission to the “Selector” by 31 July 2009 be approved; and

         (c)        a briefing note be sent to all Members to identify any potential proposals for submission.