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

D. Anderson, Principal Democratic Services Officer, was present at the meeting to seek views regarding the proposals set out in the attached report. (For copy see file of Minutes).

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

1.                  Area Forums and renamed and relaunched as Community Forums to reflect a greater emphasis on community involvement and the number replaced with a name that reflected the area.

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

3.            Membership of Area Forums be formalised to be representative of the community groups to which it aimed to serve.

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

A questionnaire seeking views on the above recommendations was circulated at the meeting for completion.

Cabinet response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Group.

Consideration was given to a schedule detailing the Cabinet’s response to recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Review Group regarding Area Forums.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

RESOLVED:             That the schedule be received.