Agenda item

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously):

1. To approve the allocation of funding to support the Area Committees as set out in the report.

2. To note the arrangements for funding projects and schemes as set out in the report.

The Committee considered a report (agenda item 7) outlining the financial gap that currently existed in respect of the funding of area committees and seeking agreement of an approach to the funding of area committees in 2024/25.

The Chair commented that this was a key decision report, as the proposed decision would have a significant impact on 2 or more wards in the city.

Summary of main points raised/noted in discussion of this item:

1. The following correction to the report was noted: Page 2, in the table showing the ward structure of area committees, in relation to Area Committee 5, the reference to ‘Easton’ ward should be deleted and replaced with a reference to ‘Frome Vale’ ward.

2. It was noted that the report sought a specific approval of an allocation of estimated part-year costs in 2024/25 of £90,000, to be funded from the Council’s Resources operating reserve. Recurrent future funding for the area committee structure would then be proposed and considered as part of the Council’s budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy process subject to validation of the structure required and alternative potential funding, if identified.

3. It was noted that the current arrangements for area committees extended their remit, reflecting the Council’s revised constitution under the committee governance system.  The area committee arrangements would be subject to a further review towards the end of the 2024/25 Council year (the timing of this to be determined by Full Council).

4. A concern was raised about the fact that the funding gap identified in the report had not been identified through the 2024/25 Council budget development process.  It was noted that this had been an oversight, hence the proposal now being brought forward to fund the gap through the operating reserve for this year.

5. With reference to comments raised in the public forum, it was noted that funding for Area Committee 6 was relatively low compared to other areas, reflecting a relatively low local Community Infrastructure Levy allocation; a smaller number of wards also comprised this area committee.  Further to 3. above, it was noted that the boundary structure, funding, remit and decision-taking powers available to area committees would be reviewed at an appropriate point, also to take account of the experience of running the committees under the revised arrangements now in place for 2024/25.  It was noted that the creation of the Equity fund enabled a further opportunity for area committees to access funding.

6. In response to a question, it was confirmed that under current national legislation, area committee meetings must be held in-person and could not be held in either online or hybrid formats.

7. In response to a question, it was noted that in circumstances where a particular time-critical decision was required, an additional meeting of an area committee could be arranged where this was deemed essential, although it was important to recognise that the capacity/resource for enabling additional meetings was limited.

The Chair then moved the recommendations set out in the report. Councillor Clarke seconded this motion.

The Committee RESOLVED (unanimously):

1. To approve the allocation of funding to support the Area Committees as set out in the report.

2. To note the arrangements for funding projects and schemes as set out in the report.