Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that provided an update on issues being addressed by the County Durham Partnership (CDP) including summaries from the Board, the five Thematic Partnerships and all Area Action Partnerships (AAPs). The report also includes updates on other key initiatives being carried out in partnership across the County (for copy see file of minutes).

In response to Councillor A Hopgood expressing her disappointment regarding AAP coverage in the report, the Assistant Chief Executive would look into this as the intention was for all 14 to be included. Councillor Hopgood commented on the success of Credit Unions adding she was actively involved in promotion and encouraging young people to start saving by using their pocket money to set up accounts. The Assistant Chief Executive added that a number of AAPs are very active in promoting Credit Unions and the report gives an illustration of what is happening but it is not exhaustive.

In relation to Participatory Budgeting, Councillors Shield and Alderson both felt that due to the rural nature of their areas, they had difficulty competing against the bigger areas for funding in their AAP. Councillor Shield advised that it was felt that due to ward partnerships being extended and through road shows and funding packages, interest had been stimulated.

The Assistant Chief Executive informed the Board that the first trial for the Budget Consultation public events would be held at Burnhope, which would then be rolled out to the rest of the AAPs. The Chairman suggested that the events be analysed and the findings be reported back to a future meeting.

Members discussed their experiences with the AAPs, the majority of Members felt that they were kept well informed. Councillor Blakey added that she found the partnership meetings very informative and felt it was useful to know what was happening in other areas of the County, however a couple felt that more was being done in some areas than others. Co-ordinators meet regularly to share best practice but it was felt that communication could be improved. The Assistant Chief Executive advised that consideration would be given as to how communication channels could be improved.

Resolved:

That the information contained in the report be noted.