Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Environment and Community

Summary

To consider a review of the second full year of the Brighter Futures Programme in Banbury and the proposed emphasis in the third and subsequent years.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To note the good progress made in the second year of the Brighter Futures Programme.

(2)               To support the areas of emphasis and proposed activity in 2012/13.

(3)               To receive further reports as appropriate on progress.

Recommendations approved

The Director of Environment and Community submitted a report which sought consideration of a review of the second full year of the Brighter Futures Programme in Banbury and the proposed emphasis in the third and subsequent years.

In introducing the report, the Lead Member for Banbury Brighter Futures advised Executive that the programme had made significant progress with effective multi-agency focus and joint actions during the two years the programme had been running.

Members acknowledged the good work that had been undertaken and achievements to date and stressed the importance of maintaining the impetus as the project had been envisaged as a long term programme.

Councillor Patrick Cartledge, Leader of the Labour Group, addressed Executive and welcomed the report and the efforts being made to tackle the cycle of deprivation but raised concerns that the project did not have a long term vision. He also commented on the potential impact of the welfare reforms and queried how these would be addressed,

In response to the Labour Group Leaders’ comments, the Lead Member for Banbury Brighter Futures explained that the Members and officers involved in the project were aware of the changes and would be proactive to address the potential impact.

Members noted that due to the multi-agency approach, there was an element of reliance on partners for delivery and stressed the importance of ensuring ongoing adequate resource for the project.

Resolved

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

(2)               That the areas of emphasis and proposed activity in 2012/13 be supported.

(3)               That further reports as appropriate on progress be received.

Reasons

The Brighter Futures in Banbury programme will only be effective if it is targeted, long-term, multi-agency in nature and clear on its purpose and outcomes. A common understanding amongst all relevant agencies of what can and should be done underpins the proposals for 2012.

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