Decision details

To note the current progress against this corporate priority and agree the leadership and strategic direction for future work in this area.

In 2008, Fareham Park was identified by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) as one of the most deprived areas of the Borough and nationally as evidenced by national deprivation indices. The LSP identified the area as a high priority for all partners. Following the demise of the LSP in 2010, the Council adopted the project as a corporate priority with the aim of reducing deprivation and poverty in Fareham Park. Although some initiatives have been targeted towards this area, the corporate priority currently lacks clear leadership and direction.

This report reviews the needs of the Fareham Park area, the current initiatives aimed at helping to address the deprivation in the area and proposes that a Member and Officer Steering Group is established to oversee the delivery of this important corporate project. It also proposes that the Executive agrees to fund a 3 year Project Officer post to support the Steering Group, to collate information, engage with local service providers, local community groups and prepare bids to attract external funding to the area.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  The Executive agrees to establish a Member and Officer Steering Group (as detailed in Appendix C) to oversee the delivery of the Fareham Park Project.

(b)  SkillForce be added to the list of other agencies to be invited, as at Appendix C to the report.

(c)  The Executive approves the Terms of Reference for the Member and Officer Steering Group (as set out in Appendix D).

(d)  The Executive Member for Leisure and Community be delegated authority to approve expenditure totalling up to £20,000 on projects which help to improve skills and/or reduce deprivation in the Fareham Park Area.

(e)  The Executive agrees to fund a 3 year Project Officer post to support the Members and Officers Steering Group in the delivery of this project.

(f)   The Executive will receive regular project progress reports.