Decision details

This report sets out the results of the recent Community Action Team (CAT) review and seeks approval for a number of changes to the way the Council undertakes public engagement.

Community Action Teams (CATs) were set up in 2007 with the aim of increasing engagement with Fareham Borough residents.  The 2013 Residents’ Survey indicated that residents would be more likely to attend meetings if the content was different and it was therefore agreed at the 6 January 2014 meeting of the Executive, that a review of Community Action Teams would take place and a report would be presented at a future date.

CAT officers, CAT Chairmen, the Executive Leader, the Deputy Leader, the Leader of the Opposition, the Deputy Opposition Leader and the Police took part in the review.  Whilst some aspects of the meetings were considered successful, there were a number of issues with the current arrangements that participants felt needed to change. 

This report outlines the main feedback from the CAT review and outlines a number of proposals which could make them more responsive to both the needs of Fareham residents and the Council.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees that:

(a)  the five CAT areas be replaced with ten smaller neighbourhood areas;

(b)  the majority of CAT meetings be replaced with single agenda item meetings, that take place only when there is a 'hot topic' occurring in a neighbourhood at a relevant critical time;

(c)  “Meet the Leader” summer meetings be arranged for all of the new CAT neighbourhood areas each year, combining as appropriate, with senior representatives from the Police invited to be in attendance; and

(d)  the most appropriate experienced Chairman for individual meetings be nominated by the Executive Leader on a meeting by meeting basis