Issue - meetings

The paper sets out the criteria and key considerations for conducting the review.  In addition to responding to the proposal contained in the Petition, the statutory guidance also indicates that as part of the review other viable options should be considered to determine if they represent a better option in terms of addressing the criteria.  The briefing paper sets out an evaluation of alternative options for discussion.

In accordance with the procedures set down in the guidance for conducting Governance Reviews, Cheshire East Council had to assess any proposal, including that set out in the petition, in terms of the criteria and key considerations.  The paper submitted represented an initial valuation of the options which could be considered i.e.

               I.      Area Committees

             II.      Neighbourhood Management

            III.      Tenant Management Organisations

         IV.      Area/Community Forums

           V.      Residents’ and Tenants’ Associations

         VI.      Community Associations

        VII.      Multiple Parish Councils   

It was suggested to the Group that, of all the options proposed only (vii) above would fit the required criteria.  Therefore the most viable options going forward would be for a single parish or multiple parish councils to represent the areas identified in the petition. 

The rationale behind the conclusion was not disputed by the Group but, to ensure that the consultation process was not seen to be weighted in any way it was proposed that each of the options set out in the paper be included in the consultation leaflet, with a short explanation of the pros and cons associated with each.