Purpose

This report seeks authority to implement the amendments to Area Board arrangements as reviewed and discussed through following a recent consultation process with Area Board Chairs and others.

Decision

I approve the updates to the Area Board Arrangements as set out with this decision.

This decision was published on 14 May 2026 and will come into effect on 22 May 2026.

Reasons for the decision

In accordance with the Constitution Area Boards allocate their funds, and operate their procedures, in accordance with procedural rules and guidance as issued from time to time by the Leader.

Those procedures have not been updated in full since May 2022, with the relevant Cabinet Member further updating grant funding criteria in March 2025. It is therefore appropriate to have undertaken a review of the arrangements to ensure they remain up to date, effective, and consistent.

Following an evidence based review and extensive engagement with Area Board Chairs and others, the changes proposed are proposed to provide additional guidance on Area Board arrangements, encourage community based events and activities through the Area Board framework, and update procedures and delegation requirements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

The Leader has designated the Deputy Leader as the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Area Boards, including updating the Area Board handbook, other procedures, and delegations requirements.

Alternative options considered

Potential alternative adjustments to aspects of the procedures or delegations were discussed at the multiple sessions of Area Board Chairs, as well as the potential to make no updates to any of the procedures. This included detailed discussions on structure of formal meetings, frequency and type of meetings, delegation requirements, branding and naming of Area Boards, and seeking other suggestions on a cross-party basis on how to improve effectiveness and engagement.

Given the amount of time since the last full review of the arrangements it was not considered appropriate to not update the arrangements.