Decision Maker: Scrutiny Committee - Corporate and Resources

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 26, 2025

Purpose:

Content: 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.