Agenda item

It was highlighted to the Board that there were a number of differences in the 2^nd draft of the LAA from the one considered at the previous meeting/workshop. The second draft was strengthened in line with comments from GOL. The main changes were:

                        • Sections were included in the introduction outlining the commitment to the Equalities and Respect Agenda as well as emphasising the Local Growth Enterprise Initiative (LEGI).

                        • The introductions for each block have been revised.

                        • Mandatory baseline and targets have been completed where available and includes the revised neighbourhood renewal targets.

                        • Further work has been undertaken on the stretch target business cases.

                        • Further funding streams have been identified for alignment in each of the blocks. Amounts are being confirmed on nationally pooled funding streams.

                        The Board also heard that the process of attaining 12 stretch targets from the current list of 14 was underway through the negotiation process or by combining some of the targets. It also heard that feedback from the Government Office for London (GOL) is that the targets are strong and it is envisaged that a number will be signed off by Government departments before Christmas. However, in terms of the stretch targets themselves, there were concerns over two existing ones which appeared to be:

                        • Target 9 (number of people engaged in volunteering for at least two hours per week).

                        • Target 12 (improving living conditions for vulnerable people).

                        Partners were invited to submit their final comments to the Council’s Policy and Partnerships Team in due course.

In terms of stretch targets, the Board heard that there had been considerable negotiation and consideration of targets with GOL and partnership theme boards over the previous couple of months. There were a number of concerns raised however over the list of stretch targets with disappointment being expressed over the process. Of particular concern was the absence of explicit reference to housing priorities within the borough within the stretch target list. This issue was echoed from across partners and the Board agreed to discuss as an agenda item at a future meeting.

RESOLVED

The following recommendations were agreed to by the Board:

                        • That the Board note the second draft of the LAA including amendments following GOL’s feedback and further discussions between partners locally.

                        • That the Board comments on and agrees the 14 stretch targets being proposed.

                        • That the Board notes the three enabling measures being supported by GOL for negotiation with Government departments.

                        • That the Board note that a decision about the amount of pump priming funding to be allocated to each of the stretch targets will need to be made by early next year.

                        • That the Board encourages all partner organisations to identify funding to be aligned to the delivery of the LAA where appropriate.

                        • That the Board notes and encourages partners to support the equalities impact assessment of the LAA.

                        • That the Board notes that the second draft will be subject to minor revisions up until the submission date and agrees that the Chair and Vice-Chair will sign off the final draft.

                        • That the Board receives a report at a future meeting setting out options and principles which will enable future investment decisions on the Performance Related Grant (not applied until 2010-2011).

                        • That the Board considers a future meeting, issues facing housing within the borough as a strategic priority.