LG 15 - Cyngor Sir Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr

(Saesneg yn unig)

Consultation - Proposed Local Government Measure Committee

The Committee has invited a wide range of organisations and bodies to offer written comments on the content of the proposed Measure and the opportunity this offers is welcomed. Prior to developing this response, the details of the Measure were discussed with the Leader, Cabinet Members and Chief Officers and arising from this process, I offer the following comments.

In general, the proposed Measure builds upon and formalises existing arrangements and this is welcomed. We submit that the strong inter agency relationships in the Bridgend area, evidenced by the success of the Bridgend Local Service Board and numerous partnership developments locally, prove that it is indeed possible to achieve the objectives of the Measure without legislation.  However, we recognise that the position across Wales differs from area to area and that when one looks at the bigger picture, situations can and do arise that support the Assembly’s desire to formalise its ability to respond to such situations.  

The powers given to Welsh Ministers in sections 29 to 31 will need to be exercised extremely carefully and not be used in a way that would be detrimental to local decision making and accountability. Any ministerial intervention must be based on a credible evidence base, and compatible with the Welsh Assembly Government intervention protocol.

The majority of the proposed Measure is built around what we already work to under the Wales Programme for Improvement.  However, if a duty to collaborate is to be introduced, it might be better for this to focus on developing joint working arrangements at a regional and national level. For partners who cover more than one local authority area, the extent of activity necessary to develop the community strategy will be particularly onerous and sufficient capacity must be built into organisations’ structures at strategic and service planning levels to meet that demand. This point is particularly relevant in the context of the current restructuring of the NHS.  

It is considered that self assessment and outcome focused planning by authorities should be encouraged and the requirement for monitoring the effectiveness of actions in achieving the community strategy objectives will encourage this.

I hope that the Committee will find these points helpful.

Yours sincerely

DR JO FARRAR
CHIEF EXECUTIVE