Decision details

Note: Councillor Helen Chaffey, Housing Portfolio Holder arrived 10.05am. 

Summary

The Strategy Lead Specialist presented a report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group which had considered Local Government Reorganisation and the legacy of South Lakeland District Council. The Task and Finish Group report identified good practice, positive culture and productive relationships in South Lakeland and recommended that these are recognised and taken forward by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The Strategy Lead Specialist highlighted good practice, community engagement and positive culture that had been established. The collaborative partnerships were recommended to be further maintained and developed by the new authority. The Strategy Lead Specialist noted the success of the Customer Connect Programme and how it had transformed the way the Council conducted service delivery by focusing on the needs of the customer and community.

The Chairman thanked Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the report and for highlighting the value of locality working, noting that there were important lessons for the new authority moving forward.

Cabinet Members noted the importance of the work done by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and echoed the Chairman’s thanks for the report.

Councillor Janette Jenkinson, Shadow Customer and Locality Services Portfolio Holder, speaking as a representative of the Task and Finish Group, thanked officers for the report and Councillor Mark Wilson for suggesting the review.  She noted the ways in which Ulverston had benefitted from collaborative working between businesses and communities and the importance of this continuing in the future.

During discussion, members noted the important role of Parish Councils and Parish meetings as a link to communities and source of local knowledge.

Decision

RESOLVED - That

1)      The findings of the Task and Finish report in Appendix 1 be noted; and

2)      the recommendations as set out in the report be forwarded to the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Executive.

Reasons for Decision

The report links to the following Council Plan Priorities:

• Working across boundaries

• Delivering a balanced community

• A fairer South Lakeland

• Addressing the climate emergency

Alternative Options

Cabinet may chose not to endorse the recommendations made by the Task and Finish Group.