West Cheshire Together
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Home Page » LSP Network Event: Changing Times II
Our latest West Cheshire Together Partnership Network Event took place on 15th November, where around 140 representatives from across the area enjoyed a variety of presentations and discussions in the majestic setting of the Guildhall in Chester. Entitled “Changing Times II”, this event sought to brief delegates on the work being undertaken to respond to the changing context for public service delivery, and to look at what more needs to happen. Chaired by Steve Jennings, Chief Executive of Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Steve skilfully guided the proceedings through a great variety of interesting and relevant presentations and discussions.
John Tizard from the Centre for Public Service Partnerships gave the opening presentation entitled “Localism: Opportunities and Challenges”. Following on from the presentation on the rapidly changing national context he gave last year, John gave an update spelling out the continuing need to respond to resource restrictions, moving beyond traditional approaches to public service delivery, adopting a variety of approaches, harnessing assets and opportunities and being clear about the outcomes we are striving towards. There then followed a series of presentations seeking to give a flavour of how we are rising to the challenge. Alison Amesbury (Housing Manager with Cheshire West and Chester Council) updated on the changing landscape for social and affordable housing. This set out the very real challenges around housing and also identified some of the successes we can achieve if we respond to these challenges positively.
Judith Burbidge (Neighbourhood Manager with Weaver Vale Housing Trust, described the approach to community engagement in West Winsford - the 'GGO' area (Greenfields Park, Glebe Green and Over). The energy and enthusiasm of volunteers and partners in this area was captured well in a short video which gave the morning a real lift.
Similarly, the work being undertaken to empower the community in the Rudheath and Witton wards was presented collectively by James Ollier, Sarah Barnes, Tom Davies, Richard Thresh and Colin Judkins, where again the enthusiasm of key individuals in the community is being put to good use in a range of local projects.
Phill Bamford, (Planning Manager with Chester West and Chester Council) then described the new approach to development planning, placing communities in the driving seat of the development of Neighbourhood Plans, which will set out policies around the development and use of land in their neighbourhood - many of our local communities are responding positively to this challenge.
Delegates were reminded that these were a flavour of what is going on in West Cheshire and many other developments, projects and local plans are being put into place in response to the challenging context for public service delivery. Two further presentations sought to spotlight further work required: What more do we need to be doing? Julie Webster (Director for Public Health with NHS Western Cheshire) described the need for us to consider the “root causes” of the issues and inequalities we need to address: this will form the basis for the new Health and Wellbeing Strategy which is being aligned to a refresh of the current Sustainable Community Strategy.
Steve Robinson (Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Chief Executive) described the partnership proposal recently submitted to Government for the establishment of a Community Budget approach for West Cheshire. This looks at how, through aligning and pooling budgets around shared priority outcomes, West Cheshire plc can drive locally responsive public services.
Participants took place in lively round-table discussions to share thoughts on the opportunities and challenges presented. They also shared thoughts on the particular challenges set out in the Cheshire West and Chester Council Revenue Budget Consultation for 2012-13 which runs until 31st December. Visit: http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ and click on ‘Budget Consultation’ to find out more and take part.
Further networking took place over a well-deserved lunch, which included the opportunity to look further at local working activity in the colourful displays staffed by the Area Working teams. There was also a display as part of the White Ribbon Campaign.
Our next West Cheshire Together Partnership Network Event will take place in April 2012 and details will be advertised in the Partnerships Bulletin when they are available. Make sure you sign up early as this event was over-subscribed!
Supporting paperwork and presentations from the event can be viewed at: http://www.westcheshiretogether.org.uk/lsp/lsp_network_event_15th_novembe.aspx
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