The Director of Finance presented a briefing note prepared by the Interim Chief Executive, in relation to ‘Community Based Budgets’, which built upon the progress made under the previous government’s ‘Total Place’ agenda. Total Place had looked at how public money that was spent in a local area could be used more effectively and he indicated that with the change of Government in May 2010, the evolved Community Based Budgets now appeared to provide a greater emphasis on de-ringfencing funding and allowed greater levels of autonomy for all local authorities.

He reported that in October 2010, sixteen areas, covering 28 Councils and their partners were selected, with effect from April 2011, to take direct control over local spending in their areas, free of centrally imposed conditions. The ‘Community Budgets’ would pool various strands of government funding into a single account for tackling social problems around families with complex needs and, the Director commented that it was the Government’s intention to roll out the initiative nationally in 2013/2014.

He commented also upon additional ‘Place Based’ initiatives that had evolved out of the ‘Total Place’ agenda and commented that their emphasis appeared to be identifying, building upon and sharing good practice, with the Local Government Group taking the lead. At a local level, he reported that Wirral was developing its approach to localism, whilst at the same time reviewing the Local Strategic Partnership structure. In response to comments from Members in relation to shared services, the Director indicated that discussions with partners had taken place on a regular basis with a view to making economies and improving services.

Resolved –

(1)  That the report be noted.

(2)  That Committee looks forward to the issue of Community Based Budgets being progressed within the City Region structure.