To seek views regarding the proposals set out in the attached report.

The Forum was informed that a Scrutiny Review Group had been established to examine the operation of Area Forums to determine their effectiveness to identify changes that could be made to strengthen community involvement.  A copy of the Group’s report had been included in the agenda. (For copy see file of Minutes)   

The Forum’s attention was drawn to the following recommendations of the Review Group:

1.      Area Forums be re-named and re-launched as Community Forums to reflect a greater emphasis on community involvement and the number be replaced with a name that reflects the area.

2.      Agenda items to be based on local issues identified through the development of Local Area Frameworks and Local Improvement Plan.

3.   Membership of Area Forum to be formalised to be representative of the communities to which it aims to serve.

4.   Implement a public question time at the beginning of each Area Forum.

A questionnaire seeking views on the above recommendations was circulated at the meeting for completion.  It was reported that the views expressed at the Area Forum meeting, the community consultation event on 22^nd September 2006 and in the questionnaires, would be analysed by the Council’s Regeneration Section and reported to Cabinet for consideration.

To seek views regarding the proposals set out in the attached report.

NB :          In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Members Code of Conduct, Councillors A. Hodgson and R. A. Patchett declared a prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion.

G. Wood, Regeneration Manager, attended the Forum to consult and seek views from those in attendance regarding the proposals set out in the attached report to review the workings of the Area Forum.  (For copy see file of Minutes).  A questionnaire was also distributed.

Members of the Forum were informed that a Review Group had been set up to examine the operation and effectiveness of the Area Forums with a view to making changes to strengthen community involvement. The information provided throughout the review had been obtained from the Council’s Regeneration Section with input from Council partners and tenants groups to ensure consultation was as wide as possible.

The Forum’s attention was then drawn to the recommendations within the report and the questionnaire, which was requested to be completed.

Report of Review Group.

Councillor B. Hall, Chairman of the Review Group, presented the findings of the above Review (for copy see file of Minutes), which had examined the way Area Forums currently operated, evaluated their effectiveness and considered how they could be improved.

Specific reference was made to the Group’s conclusions and recommendations.

RESOLVED :         1.         That the report be received.

                        2.         That the recommendations be considered and          response and action plan be reported to a future          meeting of Cabinet.