To approve the Locality Strategy for Herefordshire.

The Director of Sustainable Communities presented the report on the Locality Strategy for Herefordshire and reminded Cabinet there had been an all Members’ Seminar on the proposals in the strategy and that the strategy was the overarching document for the engagement framework.

The following points were made:

·         A question was raised on where a central property was to be located in the Golden Valley as a locality centre where meetings could be held.  Cabinet was advised that this was work in progress.  However, once the staff structure was in place the geographic teams would focus on their relevant localities.  Additionally the geographic partner organisations would be represented in the area which would enable all representatives to work together.

·         Additionally it would provide the opportunity for working with the police and the fire service in the localities.

·         Concern was raised regarding Hereford City being seen as a single locality, as it was viewed by some Members as not just one community but at least two due to the division by the river.

·         It was reiterated that staffing groups would be delivering services in and as close to communities as they possibly could.  It was added that the savings on the budget were dependent on the locality teams working successfully together.

·         There was some concern by Members that it could be seen, with a partnership organisation such as this, that there could be a need for a lead officer for each area of the organisation who would be accepted by all partners.

RESOLVED That: Cabinet approved the Locality Strategy.