Issue - meetings

Report or Director of Community and Environment

Purpose of Report

To consider the progress made in 2013/14 of the long term and multi agency Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme and the proposed priorities for 2014/15.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To note the good progress made in the fourth year of the Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme.

1.2         To support the areas of emphasis and proposed activity in 2014/15;

Resolved

(1)          That the good progress made in the fourth year of the Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme be noted.

(2)          That the areas of emphasis and proposed activity in 2014/15 be supported.

The Director of Community and Environment submitted a report which sought consideration of the progress made in 2013/14 of the long term and multi-agency Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme and the proposed priorities for 2014/15.

Resolved

(1)          That the good progress made in the fourth year of the Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme be noted.

(2)          That the areas of emphasis and proposed activity in 2014/15 be supported.

Reasons

The Brighter Futures in Banbury Programme has seen continued progress and development in 2013/14. There have been notable achievements in most of the six themes and a number of new initiatives relevant to supporting those most in need.

2014/15 requires a continued focus and the need to look at new and innovative means of delivering more effective and targeted services involving a greater range of organisations. In particular, will be the need to review and respond to the emerging changes in the make-up of the ward population arising from the recent census information to ensure that the priorities and activities within each theme are still appropriate. It is also expected that the benefits of the Council’s Build Programme will begin to emerge in 2014/15 as three developments sit within the target Banbury wards. In addition, specific proposals are being developed for improved support for the over 50s unemployed, encouraging via the Banbury and Bicester College the skills and talents of primary school children and additional mentoring for young people.

The Brighter Futures in Banbury programme as a Council priority falls within the Council’s Place Programme governance arrangements set up to manage multiple projects across both Cherwell and South Northants councils. As such, the Executive will receive further high level reports on this subject through that process along with the quarterly performance reporting requirements.

Alternative Options

Option 1: Adopt the recommendations as set out

Option 2: Amend/add to the areas of focus for 2014/15