Decision Maker: Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE   TUESDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2025   RESOLUTIONS   The following are the resolutions made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at the above meeting.   Please note that these are not the full minutes, which will be published at a later date.   Date of resolution: 18 February 2025   If you have any queries about any matters referred to in this notice, please contact: Artemis Kassi, Head of Scrutiny and Governance (artemis.kassi@newham.gov.uk).     Item 6: Call In of Cabinet Decision: Development of the People Powered Places Programme 2025-2027   The Overview and Scrutiny Committee RESOLVED that:   1. the Decision made by Cabinet on 4 February 2025 concerning the Development of the People Powered Places Programme 2025-2027 be referred back to Cabinet for reconsideration; and   2. the reasons for the referral to Cabinet be noted, as follows:   a)  NCIL funding   The Committee considered the allocation of NCIL funding. In line with the NCIL requirements outlined in Section 6.1 of the Cabinet Report, the Committee proposed alternative approaches for distributing the £1.6 million. These approaches aimed to maintain the core principles of People Powered Places, while supporting a more strategic use of funds, delivering measurable outcomes, and sustainable community benefits. The Committee made the following recommendations:   i)  Direct Infrastructure Investment   The Committee recommended establishing a Neighbourhood Improvement Fund focused on tangible local infrastructure, including upgrades to parks and playgrounds, community facility renovations, street lighting improvements, and accessibility modifications to public spaces. The Committee considered that this approach would support the development of permanent community assets with clear and measurable outcomes.   ii)  Targeted Grant Programme   The Committee recommended introducing specific funding streams aligned with council priorities instead of broad participatory budgeting. Proposed funds included a Youth Facilities Fund, a Community Safety Infrastructure Fund, a Health and Wellbeing Centre Improvements Fund, and an Environmental Improvements Fund. The Committee considered that this approach would enhance strategic alignment while maintaining community participation in funding decisions.   iii)  Match-Funding Approach   The Committee recommended partnering with established organisations that could match NCIL funding, such as housing associations, local businesses, and other grant-making bodies. The Committee considered that this approach would amplify the impact of NCIL funds while supporting project sustainability.   iv)  Community Asset Transfer Programme   The Committee recommended using community funds to support community ownership of local assets. This could involve supporting community groups to take over the management of facilities, funding for feasibility studies and business planning, and providing capital improvements before transfer. The Committee considered that this could create sustainable community infrastructure with clear ownership.   v)  Commissioned Services Model   The Committee recommended a commissioned services model to identify specific neighbourhood needs through community consultation, commission targeted services through a competitive tendering process, and ensure clear outcome measures and accountability. The Committee considered that this approach would enhance value for money while maintaining a strong community focus.   vi)  Implementation   The Committee recommended that, following implementation, all recorded outputs remain within the scope of NCIL stipulations, ensuring they are physically tangible and measurable in terms of infrastructure delivery.