To consider the submitted report on the Plan for Neighbourhoods.

The Interim Place Manager presented the report as published.  Along with Tracy Cabache, Community Development Manager at Torbay Communities, there was a wider discussion on the themes emerging from the public consultation.  It was noted that the publics main priorities are physical improvements to the town centre, crime reduction and physically improving neighbourhoods.  These three themes attracted over half of the votes in the public consultation.  Contrasting with these findings, government data and guidance shows that disorder, town centre underperformance and deprivation, trust and disempowerment are the key themes.  Work and Skills proved a low priority for the public, though it should be noted that a higher performing workforce could be a long-term driver of growth and wider improvement.  It was noted that Torbay has a significantly higher commercial vacancy rate than the national average.  In combining these findings, it was proposed that the four key areas of focus when allocating funding would be –

·         Physically improving our town centre

·         Helping reduce crime and making people feel safe

·         Physically improving our neighbourhoods

·         Improving life chances through new work and skills opportunities

It was also noted that empowerment, and enabling people to be heard should underpin all of the four main priorities.

Board members questioned why social and affordable housing was not included as an theme.  It was noted that housing provision could form part of a number of projects favoured by the themes suggested.  The board members expressed a general feeling that housing provision should be more strongly addressed in the projects’ key themes, and it was agreed that consideration of the provision of affordable housing would form part of the themes going forward.

There were further questions on specific areas of the theme wording, but the board was generally comfortable with the proposed themes, provided that affordable housing provision also forms a part. 

There was then a discussion on the selection criteria for project proposals, and also how the impact of any project may be measured post-completion.  The Interim Place Manager confirmed that central government had shared some documentation showing matrices which allowed impartial assessments of potential project, but that their version may be too complicated.  The board also requested that other methodologies, such as passporting funds to those areas most in need was explored.  It was noted that applications from all areas of the town would be considered and encouraged.

There was a discussion on the issue of inclusivity, and ensuring that everyone has a chance to participate. Identifying gaps, existing provisions, and other funding options will be key to ensuring initiatives are comprehensive and equitable.

ACTIONS AND NEXT STEPS

The Interim Place Manager and Torbay Communities will now:

·         Begin the process of exploring simple ways to score projects based on both viability and impact.  Proposals will be bought to the next meeting.

·         Arrange co-design sessions, beginning the process of collaborative outreach to partners and stakeholders, ensuring the collective expertise is fully harnessed.

·         Explore possibilities in relation to allocating funds to areas most in need as an alternative to project-based allocations.

·         Explore potential options to assist where projects are rejected, ensuring unsuccessful bids are signposted to alternative funding sources.