To note the progress of the Local Area Agreement (LAA) ‘super refresh’, including the Story of Place, list of key priorities and the provisional list of indicators to be included in the final document. 

THAT:

            (a)        the LAA super refresh process be noted;

(b)            the Story of Place and list of key priorities be approved;

(c)   it be noted that the provisional list of indicators be included in the LAA; and

(d)   Cabinet Members, Scrutiny Committee Chairmen, and Strategic Monitoring Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman along with partner organisations, be updated weekly on the LAA.

To ensure that Cabinet is central to the LAA ‘super refresh’ process and has the opportunity to contribute to its development, agree the Story of Place, priorities and indicators.  Herefordshire Council is the accountable body for the LAA and will have a key leadership role in ensuring its successful delivery.  The LAA is expected to be a central feature of the Comprehensive Area Assessment. The new Area Based Grant, expected to be in the region of £8.88 million in 2008/09, will be paid to Herefordshire Council as the accountable body with decision-making processes, and monitoring going through the Local Strategic Partnership (Herefordshire Partnership) and relevant statutory/themed partnerships, as specified in National guidance.  There is an indication that there may be a reward grant paid at the end of the three years, based on achievements against targets.

There are no Alternative Options as the Council will not be able to access the £8.8 million pounds available through the LAA.  There is also a legal requirement that all Councils enter into LAA’s to identify priorities and objectives for delivery and benefit of the people of Herefordshire.