Under reference to item 5 of the Minute of the meeting of the Council held on 28 June 2018, there was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the Council's review of community-level governance arrangements.  The report outlined proposals for the introduction of a new model of Local Partnerships into the Community Planning Structure which would replace the existing local area committees.  The report detailed the proposals that had been the subject of consultation, including: refreshing the aims of community-level governance; moving from committees to partnerships; extending voting rights to community organisations; other public services playing a greater role; wider engagement with communities; moving from five areas based on ward boundaries to seven areas based on community-council boundaries; meetings becoming more accessible and participative; local grants being focussed on local priorities and the introduction of participatory budgeting.  The findings of the consultation had been supportive of the proposals. 

It was noted that the Council would consider the proposals at its meeting to be held on 27 September 2018; that a series of community events would be held throughout October 2018; that the first meetings of the Local Partnerships would take place in late 2018 and that a new grant process would be introduced from April 2019 for the 2019/2020 financial year, including the allocation of the central grant fund, local allocations and participatory budgeting exercises across Renfrewshire.

Following a presentation by the Strategic Partnerships and Inequalities Manager, consideration was given to the function of the local partnerships, including the requirement to define and differentiate the roles of partnerships and community councils to ensure that there was clarity and no duplication or overlap of function; clarity for lead officers in exercising their delegations in terms of payment of grants; in terms of membership how diversity, in particular, participation of young people would be ensured; that meetings and documents would be open to the public; possible rotation of community groups; how more meaningful discussion at local area partnerships would be encouraged and facilitated; the selection of community groups to ensure parity of membership and ensure that groups without voting rights were not discouraged from participating; the ability of the local partnerships to chose their own names; setting of local priorities against which applications for grant would be considered; and due diligence in terms of checking of grant applications, including an increased role for the members of local partnerships in this.  Consideration was also given to how multi-area applications would be handled and it was proposed that rather than decisions on such applications being taken by officers, that a panel comprising chairs and vice chairs of the local partnerships make recommendations to the relevant Council board.  It was agreed that members be provided with background historical information on multi-area applications and awards in order that further consideration could be given to the potential amount of funding to be diverted to the multi-area 'pot'.

DECIDED: That the report and presentation be noted and that the points discussed be addressed in the report which would be submitted to the meeting of the Council to be held on 27 September 2018.