Local democracy

Agenda item

STRONGER COMMUNITIES STRATEGY AND DELIVERY PLAN

The Strategic Director, Place will submit the Stronger Communities Strategy and Delivery Plan (Document “S”), produced by the Bradford Stronger Communities Partnership, for consideration. 

 

Recommended –

 

That the work carried out in the development of the Bradford Stronger Communities Strategy and Delivery Plan by the Stronger Communities Partnership be noted.

 

(Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Zahra Niazi – 01274 436082)

Minutes:

The Strategic Director, Place submitted the Stronger Communities Strategy and Delivery Plan (Document “S”), produced by the Bradford Stronger Communities Partnership, for consideration. 

 

The Integration Programme Strategy Lead explained that it was a five year strategy and in the early stages of a two year delivery plan.  Members were informed that £1.2m million funding had been awarded in the first year, however, the amount to be allocated for the second year was not known.  It provided a good opportunity to measure activities that were hard to quantify and factors such as integration enabled information to be shared. 

 

It was noted that there was a growing white population of people aged 65 and over in Shipley and a lot of young people in Windhill and Wrose.  It was acknowledged that strong role models made a difference in communities and there were many similarities across the District.  The Integration Programme Strategy Lead stated that there was a lack of good quality jobs and the issue in relation to the closure of the job centre had been raised.  Work was ongoing with employers to alter recruitment and retention processes and the development of a good practice guide was being investigated. 

 

In relation to new arrivals to the District, Members noted that work on how to welcome them was being undertaken and there was a focus on four priority areas.  The Integration Programme Strategy Lead reported that Shipley was an aspirational area and there were a number of projects that would be beneficial in the Ward.  Consideration of how events and festivals could become more diverse was being undertaken along with how the Council could become more proactive. 

 

In conclusion the Integration Programme Strategy Lead stated that some funding was provided by the Government, however, other sources were being explored.  There were many voluntary organisations operating in Shipley and it was hoped that there would be sustainable outcomes.

 

In response to questions, the Integration Programme Strategy Lead confirmed that:

 

·         The links with primary and secondary schools and Academies varied across the District.  20 schools had already signed up to a primary to primary school link and a parent linking programme was being undertaken.

·         The amount of funding for the second year would be announced in February.

·         There were over 60 nationalities of people across the District, which presented many issues and the affordable areas had more diverse communities.

·         Refugees felt isolated, not by Shipley residents, but by what services were available to them.

·         A great deal of good practice was being undertaken across the District and data was being used to target individual Wards.

 

A Member commented that when communities worked together they were no tensions and a representative of Wrose Parish Council added that Shipley residents should be encouraged to join in and mix with other communities.   

 

Resolved –

 

That the work carried out in the development of the Bradford Stronger Communities Strategy and Delivery Plan by the Stronger Communities Partnership be welcomed.

 

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE: Corporate

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place

Supporting documents: