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The Scrutiny Corporate and Resources Committee
RESOLVED to request the following from the Lead Member for
Transformation, Human Resources and Localities and the Service
Director-Partnerships, Localities and Culture:
 
1.   
Continue engagement with Local Community Networks (LCNs) and
stakeholders to resolve the identified areas for improvement and
develop practical solutions, ensuring that both structured and
organic models of community engagement are supported.

2.   
Develop and implement a clear framework for LCNs that:

a.   
Avoids duplication of effort and clarifies roles and
responsibilities.
b.   
Balances responsiveness to local needs with the ability to manage
demand effectively.
c.    
Addresses issues of staff churn and capacity constraints through
sustainable resourcing, and defines the future role and staffing of
the Link Officer team as part of the review, noting the
Committee’s compliments to the current Link
Officers.

3.   
Share best practice across Somerset and nationally, including
examples of successful community engagement models, and incorporate
these into the review process.

4.   
Ensure alignment with forthcoming government guidance on
neighbourhood committees and clause 58 of the English Devolution
Bill, including preparing a briefing sheet for all Members on the
implications of this legislation.

5.   
Introduce quick wins identified during the review (such as improved
communication and local Member policy) while recognising that some
benefits will take time to embed.

6.   
Improve accessibility and transparency by:

a.   
Publishing clear information on LCN roles, agendas, and
decision-making processes.
b.   
Providing regular updates to Members and parish councils to avoid
reliance on second-hand information.

7.   
Address geographic and community identity concerns by reviewing LCN
boundaries to ensure they reflect real communities rather than
arbitrary area sizes.

8.   
Develop mechanisms for elected Members to influence LCN agendas and
ensure their issues are heard, reducing the perception of a
“fait accompli” in agenda setting.

9.   
Strengthen communication channels between the Council, parish
councils, and community groups, including formalising arrangements
for information sharing and feedback loops.

10. That the initial findings from
Phase 2 of the review and subsequently the final review, its
findings and recommendations must be reported to the Scrutiny
Committee-Corporate & Resources prior to it being considered by
the Executive in 2026.

11. Data to be provided on the
attendance of stakeholders and parish councils to individual
LCN’s and on the number of Parish Clerks attending the Parish
Clerks briefings.

 
12. Detail to be provided of any
further forms of community engagement currently taking place.