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Resolution number PPK/2015/75
MOVED
by Member KJ Winn, seconded by Member SR Britnell:
That the Papakura
Local Board provides the following resolutions for the Regional Strategy and
Policy Committee meeting on 04 June 2015:
i. Supports
the purpose of the Long-term Plan 2015-2025 to change the way services are
delivered to communities, which will enhance, enable and empower them.
ii. Supports
the Thriving Communities action plan which sets out to create an enabling council
implementing a community-led approach and reducing bureaucratic barriers and
in so doing help empower local boards so as they in turn can empower
communities in a way that suits the area.
iii. Notes
that the level of resourcing for the Empowered Community Approach is unclear
and as a result it is not possible to reach a position as to whether or not the
proposal can be supported.
iv. Requests
that staff provide the following:
a) Current
total budgets for Community Development and Safety
b) Regional
and local operating costs
c) Potential
funding that can be reallocated to local delivery
d) Details
on the functions and roles described in the initiative
v. Seeks
clarification on how the proposed approach will function in terms of helping
improve trust in the democratic system whilst at the same time transferring
some powers and resources to communities. To achieve this the initiative
requires communities to understand and influence the operations of a large
complex bureaucracy and requires the organisation to better interact and
engage with communities. The functions will therefore need to include
strengthening the quality and quantity of relationships between communities
and the organisation.
vi. To
proceed and have effect the approach will need to provide practical support
to the local board, be focused on solutions and work closely with community
organisations in Papakura. Additionally the approach will need to:
a) Resource
the local board to enhance the role it plays with local communities
b) Align
with the local board plan outcomes
c) Substantially alter the balance of resources within Community
Development Arts and Culture to focus on and enable locally driven
initiatives to enhance community wellbeing.
vii. Notes that local boards have:
a) A statutory role of community engagement, consultation and
advocacy
b) Decision-making roles in local community development activities
c) Currently fund a significant amount of community programmes
d) Ability to leverage in additional resources to support
communities.
viii.
Highlights that inadequate funding for
the Empowered Communities Approach increases the risks inherent in any change
of this nature, which may in turn hinder implementation.
ix. Understands that the Political Advisory Group has extended
discussion on the Empowered Communities Approach and therefore requests a new
timeframe be provided identifying when further formal feedback by local
boards will be sought on what emerges from these discussions.
x. Emphasises
that one size does not fit all and therefore work will be required with each
local board to determine the resources and skill requirements. The approach
needs to take into account diverse communities, their capacity, be responsive
to Maori outcomes and be culturally attuned.
xi. Notes that to achieve the Empowered Communities Approach to
develop a new more effective and empowering focus to the way council delivers
services and supports community activity comprehensive changes is required
across the council family. It needs to start somewhere such as a Community
Development and Safety programme but has to be extended across the
organisation.
xii. Notes that the timeframe for implementing the Empowered
Communities Approach is from 01 July 2015 and would support delaying this to
provide for pilots to take place with local boards. This would inform the
introduction of the approach.
CARRIED
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