Agenda item

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides an update on the progress made in establishing the new roles of the Associate Cabinet Members. (Non key)

(Report No.127)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.127) setting out the progress made in establishing the new roles of Associate Cabinet Members and providing the first work programme updates from each of the three Associate Cabinet Members.

NOTED

1.               Councillor George Savva drew Members’ attention to his work programme, as circulated with the report. Councillor Savva highlighted the challenges of the role and the development of the role in working with Cabinet Members, the local community and other stakeholders. He felt that the Associate Cabinet Members were providing a valuable link with all interested parties within the geographical areas, as set out in the report.

2.               Councillor Bambos Charalambous advised Members of the number of projects which crossed ward boundaries in which the Associate Cabinet Members could play a valuable role. The Ward Forums had proved to be successful and had been well-attended. It was noted that issues of importance varied across the geographical areas, for example, Cycle Enfield, the provision of school places, Crossrail 2 and the North Circular Road Action Plan. He outlined his involvement in the Broomfield House Partnership board. The role that Associate Cabinet Members would have on the new Area Partnership Boards was also highlighted for Members’ information. Associate Cabinet Members worked closely with Cabinet colleagues across all portfolio areas. He felt that the role was an important one which would continue to develop.

3.               Members noted that the Opposition Members had been sceptical regarding the value of the role of the Associate Cabinet Members. The importance of working with shadow Opposition Associate Cabinet Members was highlighted for the benefits of the local communities. Associate Cabinet Members should attend the ward forums within their geographical areas. Details of all ward forums were advertised on the Council’s website.

4.               Councillor Taylor highlighted the role that the Associate Cabinet Members would have in the forthcoming consultation on Cycle Enfield.

Alternative Options Considered: The option to continue with the present arrangements were considered but discounted on the grounds that they would not meet the new democratic imperative being sought by the administration and would fail to prepare the Council for future challenges arising from significant future budgetary pressures and changes to wider Government policy.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.               Noted the progress made in establishing the new roles of the Associate Cabinet Members and the updates provided through the work programme outcomes/summaries of activities up to November 2014.

2.               Agreed that further outcome updates be presented to Cabinet in April 2015 and November 2015 as specified in Council Report No.1 (June 2014) that established the roles.

3.               Agreed that a formal evaluation of the impact of the Associate Cabinet Member role be carried out in January 2016 and a report with recommendations be presented to Cabinet in April 2016.

Reason: To note the first work programme updates as presented. To agree that further updates come forward in April 2015 and November 2015 with a formal evaluation to be carried out in January 2016 that would report back into Cabinet in April 2016.

(Non key)