Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the report of the Managing Director.

The Managing Director advised that the report provided Members with an update on the development of a Regional Gwent PSB and the next round of the Assessment of Local Well-being and Local Well-being Plans. It was reported that the report would be presented to Council on 29^th July, 2021 to seek approval for a move towards a Regional Gwent PSB.

The Managing Director spoke to the report and provided an overview of the process to be undertaken with regard to a move to a Regional Gwent PSB. It was noted that the current Well-Being Plans (2018-2023) form the delivery arrangements for the next two years and these would continue to be delivered by the local partnerships supported by the Regional PSB and scrutinised by partnership Scrutiny Committees in each of the local areas.

The Managing Director referred to the timelines for the process and advised that arrangements for Regional Scrutiny Committees were being discussed among democratic services leads and the aim was to conclude this to meet the approval requirements of the local assessment of well-being needs. The scrutiny of the existing well-being plans would be continued through local Scrutiny Committees until 2023. The Managing Director added that there would still be work for the Blaenau Gwent PSB Scrutiny Committee, however this work would gradually be taken on board regionally.

In terms of approval of reports, the Managing Director advised that Newport and Torfaen had already approved the move to a Regional Gwent PSB with Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Monmouthshire being considered this week.

The Chair and Members welcomed the report as it was felt that partnership working should be encouraged and recognised the benefits of working with other local authorities and partners.

A Member asked if there would be any cost implications in terms of officer time due to the change to the regional partnership. The Managing Director referred to the report and advised that there would be no financial implications for the Council, however, there would be additional work for staff in the Policy Team who supported the PSB. The Policy Team would now work with colleagues across Gwent to put the regional work in place.  There was also an expectation of the Policy Team to continue to support the local delivery partnership. 

In terms of resourcing the chair and administration of the new Regional PSB it would be rotated between statutory partners. The first meeting in the autumn would agree the Terms of Reference and appoint a Chair. The nominated Chair’s respective organisation would be permitted to undertake the administration of the Regional PSB and for an agreed term of 2 years, following the end of the 2-year period another chair would be appointed. It was felt that this was a fair way to take forward chair and administration on the regional basis.

The Member also asked if a move to a Regional Gwent PSB was permitted under the Well-being Future Generations Act  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5