To receive an update further to Phase Two of the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group investigations.

Contact – Councillor Dawn Husemann, Chair of the Partnership Working Task & Finish Group

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet endorse the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group set out below:

Recommendation 1 – A collaborative approach to a data audit between town and parish councils and Shropshire Council is essential to understanding expectations of one another. This needs to include clarity over what the statutory minimum is, a joint mapping of services and a clear understanding of service provision.

Recommendation 2 - Ensure that work undertaken with town and parish councils is transparent and honest, with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement that doesn’t risk erosion of any previous good will arrangements by imposing too much bureaucracy and oversight.

Recommendation 3 – Allow Town and Parish Councils to be involved in the joint development of any proposed Partnership arrangements, working together to provide clear benefits for local communities, alleviating some of the town and parish concerns highlighted in this report.

Recommendation 4 – Provide regular communication with town and parish councils and look to improve ways in which they can communicate more easily with Shropshire Council officers and service areas.

In the absence of the Chair of the Task and Finish Group, Councillor Ed Potter presented the second report of the Partnership Working Task and Finish Group. Members were advised that Phase Two of the group’s work had focused on engagement with town and parish councils, particularly in relation to partnership working and the proposed devolution of certain services. Due to the distinct nature of this work, the devolution agenda would be progressed separately from the wider partnership review.

Feedback highlighted differing needs between rural and urban areas, concerns about capacity and resources within town and parish councils, and the importance of clear communication, trust and tangible benefits in any future partnership arrangements. It was emphasised that partnership models should avoid unnecessary bureaucracy and build on existing good practice.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet endorse the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group set out below:

Recommendation 1 – A collaborative approach to a data audit between town and parish councils and Shropshire Council is essential to understanding expectations of one another. This needs to include clarity over what the statutory minimum is, a joint mapping of services and a clear understanding of service provision.

Recommendation 2 - Ensure that work undertaken with town and parish councils is transparent and honest, with the aim of reaching a mutually beneficial arrangement that doesn’t risk erosion of any previous good will arrangements by imposing too much bureaucracy and oversight.

Recommendation 3 – Allow Town and Parish Councils to be involved in the joint development of any proposed Partnership arrangements, working together to provide clear benefits for local communities, alleviating some of the town and parish concerns highlighted in this report.

Recommendation 4 – Provide regular communication with town and parish councils and look to improve ways in which they can communicate more easily with Shropshire Council officers and service areas.