Accessibility links

1
Language selection

Agenda item

Review the Town and Community Councils ( T&CC's ) Charter Action Plan

Minutes:

The Forum received a presentation updating them on the development of the Action Plan of the Town and Community Councils (TCCs) Charter’s and seeking approval for the actions proposed for inclusion in the Action Plan and agreeing the Action Plan going forward. At the Town & Community Council Forum meeting on 18th July 2016, the Mayors and Chairpersons of each of the Town & Community Councils were invited to sign the new TCC Charter at the official signing ceremony held in the Council Chamber.

 

During the revision of the Charter, it was agreed that an Action Plan would be reviewed at each meeting of the TCC Forum.  This would ensure that priorities could be identified and managed appropriately.  All Councils would be able to identify items for inclusion on the Action Plan and monitor the progress made throughout the year. 

 

Members were advised that at a recent liaison meeting between Town and Community Council Clerks and BCBC the following issues were discussed:

 

·      The lack of information being provided to Town and Community Councils on the outcome of planning applications.

·      The need for better communication and a list of contacts in each Directorate for Town and Community Councils due to a lack of response /actions to correspondence from TCC clerks

·      Community Asset Transfer training post- election for Town and Community Clerks and Members.

·      The LDP and why triggers were not being actioned due to vacancy rates of commercial properties in Bridgend Town Centre being reached.   

 

The Forum questioned how the Charter was working within the Borough and if there were any problems. The Leader explained that overall, sound progress had been made. There would be an opportunity to review the Charter in July 2017 with the Town and Community Councils

 

Reference was made to a report from One Voice Wales which stated that one third of its national members had raised concerns relating to their Charter. Concerns ranged from the Charter being unenforceable to a complete lack of apathy. Forum members did not want it to be a talking shop and attendance by Town and Community Councillors was very low.

 

A member of the Forum reported problems being experienced with Ynysawdre Community Council. Residents had attempted to attend a meeting of the Community council and requested information including Freedom of Information requests but no information had been received to date. Residents wanted to know how the precept was being spent as there appeared to be very little to show for the £240k. The next move for residents would be a request to Wales Audit Office to get involved. A member referred to the requirement for an audit of accounts to be displayed. No information had been displayed on the website since September 2016 until recently when a request had been made for people to support the community. The Leader explained that the Town and Community Councils were independent sovereign bodies and BCBC could not interfere in their running.

 

Members of the Forum discussed the importance of working in partnership. Members suggested that the time and day of future meetings be circulated to the Town and Community Councils to see if they were convenient and attendance could be improved.   

 

A member commented that the new Charter appeared to be a working document under constant review and as such, was far more effective than previous wish lists. The precept was available to the community and if it wasn’t used wisely then residents could vote for a change.

 

A member welcomed the request for Community Asset Transfer training because he believed the current process was not working and town clerks did not understand the process. Members were pleased with the responses received so far from the recently appointed Community Asset Transfer Officer. Members commented that it would be helpful to talk to others who had already been through the CAT process e.g. officers/clerk at Brackla Community Centre.

 

The Forum agreed that attendance at the meeting was disappointing. The clerks had been invited to develop a stronger relationship but only one clerk had attended.

 

The Forum was advised to contact the Senior Democratic Services Officer if they wanted any actions to be added to the list. 

 

The Forum wished Mr Gary Jones, Head of Democratic Services, a speedy recovery following his recent illness.

 

RESOLVED:         The Town & Community Council Forum: 

 

a)    Noted the report and proposed items for inclusion in the action plan.

b)    Approved the updated Charter Action Plan attached as Appendix 1.

Supporting documents:

 

A to Z Search

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z