URL: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2341

Decision Maker: Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement, and Corporate Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report seeks authority to implement the amendments to Area Board arrangements as reviewed and discussed through following a recent consultation process with Area Board Chairs and others. 

Content: This report seeks authority to implement the amendments to Area Board arrangements as reviewed and discussed through following a recent consultation process with Area Board Chairs and others.  I give notice that I intend to implement the changes to the Area Board arrangements as set out within the supporting documents below.     If you would like to make any representations to me on this issue, please do so by 12 May 2026.   In accordance with the Constitution Area Boards allocate their funds, and operate their procedures, in accordance with procedural rules and guidance as issued from time to time by the Leader.     Those procedures have not been updated in full since May 2022, with the relevant Cabinet Member further updating grant funding criteria in March 2025. It is therefore appropriate to have undertaken a review of the arrangements to ensure they remain up to date, effective, and consistent.     Following an evidence based review and extensive engagement with Area Board Chairs and others, the changes proposed are proposed to provide additional guidance on Area Board arrangements, encourage community based events and activities through the Area Board framework, and update procedures and delegation requirements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.    The Leader has designated the Deputy Leader as the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Area Boards, including updating the Area Board handbook, other procedures, and delegations requirements.    Potential alternative adjustments to aspects of the procedures or delegations were discussed at the multiple sessions of Area Board Chairs, as well as the potential to make no updates to any of the procedures. This included detailed discussions on structure of formal meetings, frequency and type of meetings, delegation requirements, branding and naming of Area Boards, and seeking other suggestions on a cross-party basis on how to improve effectiveness and engagement.    Given the amount of time since the last full review of the arrangements it was not considered appropriate to not update the arrangements.   The proposed changes have been discussed with the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee Chairman in January 2026.    The proposals have been discussed and consulted on during September 2025, January 2026, and March 2026, through the Area Board Chair and Vice Chair meetings.     A separate Overview and Scrutiny Task Group has been set up to review the Area Board Grant Funding model, following the Management Committee meeting in March 2026.    A wide range of stakeholders were consulted during September, October and November 2025, to inform and shape the new Area Board arrangements. A summary of this consultation can be found within appendix B.     

Date of Decision: May 5, 2026