Halton Strategic Partnership Board – 8^th September 2004

Presentations

The Board received two presentations at the start of the meeting:

• Robin Ireland from the Heart of Mersey Campaign outlined the work being carried out across the area to combat coronary heart disease (www.heartofmersey.org.uk);
• Andrew Pannell from Halton Borough Council provided an explanation of Halton’s Local Development Framework to the Board.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Tony McDermott announced his intention to step down as Chair of the Board, having held the position since the inception of the Partnership. The Board expressed its appreciation for all of Councillor McDermott’s efforts.

The Board appointed Councillor John Swain, the Deputy Leader of Halton Borough Council, as the Partnership’s new Chair.

Andy Guile was also appointed as the new Vice-Chair of the Board as the post had been empty since Ian Clinton moved on from Halton College.

Second generation Local Public Service Agreements

The Board examined the arrangements for the latest Local Public Service Agreements, where stretched targets in certain areas of performance are agreed with the Government in exchange for additional funding.

The process has been improved to allow a greater focus on local improvements and better support from the Government.

Additional areas that may be considered as priorities were invited from the partners and Specialist Strategic Partnerships. Halton will need to submit a strategy to the Government during November 2004.

Roll forward of the Specialist Strategic Partnerships’ action plans

The timetable for the roll forward of action plans was discussed and approved. The Board reiterated that gaps in provision against targets, match funding, and exit strategies must be considered when determining which initiatives receive support.

Partnership Conference

The Partnership was to hold its second annual conference at the Halton Stadium on the 5^th October. The Board approved the agenda and the proposal to include an inspirational speaker in the programme.

Halton Festival week

The Board considered a proposal to develop a Halton Festival to promote the area as a place to live, work and visit. The week could end with the Halton Show, and a link to the Liverpool Capital of Culture had been suggested.

Widespread support for the idea was expressed across the Partnership, and it was agreed that a steering group would be established to take proposals forward.

Date of next meeting – 13^th October, Halton Stadium.