This report provides an update on progress to date on the Root and Branch Review Programme and invites Cabinet to agree the aims, scope and outline methodology for the reviews and that a community consultation exercise is undertaken to inform the Reviews.

The report on the Root and Branch Review was introduced by the Deputy Leader.  The Deputy Chief Executive took Cabinet through the main points of the report.  The following points were made in discussion.

·         The review programme will run from April 2012 to September 2013.

·         The review was as a result of the budget which was approved by Council in February 2012.

·         The review programme will be fundamental to setting the future direction of the Council over the next ten years and will shape the role of public services.

·         The lead Cabinet Member and officers for each review will travel across the county to gain the views of resident on their experience of services.

·         Central to the reviews is a wish to engage with residents, employees, Councillors, partner organisations and the third and public sector.

·         The constitution will provide the framework for the reviews which will be challenging and rigorous but will be carried out at a fairly fast pace.

·         The quality of life survey will provide the trend information and what is felt to be of most importance by residents.

·         Cabinet agreed previously that funding would be through the transformation fund in order to undertake this major consultation exercise.

·         Concern was raised over the linkages between the various localities across the county, as they seemed unaware of the review.  It was felt that more was needed to be done on communications.  However, it was noted that the  locality groups were at differing stages and that any communications needed to be tailored to the area.

·         The project was fundamental to delivery of services and therefore was listed on the risk register.

·         In response to a question on devolving services to Parish Councils the Chief Executive reminded Cabinet that services could only be devolved to Parish Council if they wanted to take on the service.  The Parish Council could not be forced to take on the provision services.

·         In response to a question the Deputy Chief Executive advised that there would be an all Member seminar and he would look into the provision of briefing papers to answer any general queries Parish Councils might have.

·         In response to a question on guidance for Councillors on how to relate with their Parish Councils, Members were informed that this was being looked at in conjunction with the Herefordshire Association of Local Councils and it could also be looked at by the Member Development Training Group.

RESOLVED

              THAT:

a)    Progress made to date on the Root and Branch Review Programme be noted;

b)    The Root and Branch Review Programme as set out in the Project Mandate document at Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and

c)    It be agreed that a community engagement exercise be undertaken as outlined in paragraphs 17 to 22 of the report.