Agenda item
Local Strategic Partnership Annual Report
The report is attached.
Minutes:
Joanna McCormick introduced the annual report for 2009 which reported on the performance of Partners for Brent. Members heard that there had been significant progress in terms of the Evidence Base and there had been changes to governance arrangements to facilitate more effective partnership working. However, Partners for Brent faced a number of challenges for the future, not least the continuing impact of the recession on the community. In terms of the Local Area Agreement (LAA) 2006-2009, a Great Place to Live, a good performance had been recorded and it was expected that a Performance Reward Grant would be attained. For the LAA 2008/2011, the results were rather more mixed, however there had been an overall reduction in crime for 2008/09, including domestic violence as a result of the increase in support for victims. There had also been a 50% increase in the number of establishments signing up to the Best Bar None scheme, whilst alcohol related violence and disorder at Neasden Circle had been effectively tackled by the Neasden Circle Alcohol Project. The Brent Sustainability Forum had successfully delivered a number of projects, including Green Zones, North London Light Railway, Bio Digester, Sustainable Business and Trade Waste Recycling Promotion, Recycling from Flats and Creation of a Climate Change Partnership.
In terms of a Borough of Opportunity, Joanna McCormick advised that most LAA stretch targets for 2006-09 had been met, with some significantly overachieving. Members noted that the Smoking Cessation target had not been met, whilst final results were yet to be received with regard to Disadvantaged Groups into Employment. The Employer Partnership played a key role in addressing employment issues and the Committee noted the various ways in which this was achieved. Good progress had been reported with regard to the Children’s Partnership Board, including all 5 of the Every Child Matters outcomes. Key achievements for 2008/09 concerning the Health and Social Care Partnership Board were also noted, including the development of the Health and Well Being Strategy (including the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment). In terms of an Inclusive Community, Members noted the achievements with regard to Community Engagement, such as the Active Change Foundation, Brent Young Muslims Project and the Horn Stars Football Team Active Citizen Mentoring Programme.
Joanna McCormack then detailed future plans for Partners for Brent, paying particular emphasis on enhancing the work of the LSP through change of structure to allow it to divide is attention between delivery of the Community Strategy and the LAA and the engagement of people in the borough to have a better understanding of the key factors affecting their lives and the future of the borough.
Councillor R Moher, in noting the progress with regard to decline in teenage pregnancies and child obesity, enquired whether significant improvements had been recorded. Councillor Motley commented that the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee had received reports in respect of teenage pregnancies and that it had been re-classified from high risk to medium risk, however it was still a cause for concern. The rising trend for child obesity had been halted but remained a serious concern. Councillor Mistry stated that she been involved with discussions with younger people with regard to anti-social behaviour and making the community safer. Although there were forums for young people, such as the Brent Youth Parliament, Councillor Mistry stated that young people had indicated that they did not feel engaged, nor were they aware of what services the Council could offer them. The Chair requested that evidence be provided of added value in future reports.
In reply, Joanna McCormick advised that there had only been a small decline in teenage pregnancies and that it was still an issue, whilst child obesity was a concern nationally. She confirmed that she would feedback the views of young people expressed to Councillor Mistry to the Brent Crime Partnership and she acknowledged Councillor Jones’s request to incorporate evidence of added value in future reports.
Supporting documents: