Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Scrutiny Review of Community Participation Budget and Ward Transport Budget - Final Report of the Community Safety Select Committee

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report that presented the outcomes of the Community Safety Select Committee’s review of Community Participation Budget and Ward Transport Budget.

RESOLVED that:-

1. Both the Community Participation Budget (CPB) and the Ward Transport Budget (WTB) remain as separate Member-led schemes.

2. With due regard to the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) Ward Councillor survey feedback, SBC reviews and refreshes the guidance available to SBC Ward Councillors on CPB and WTB eligibility criteria and scheme delivery processes (which should include approximate timelines involved in the most common project proposals).

3. SBC considers how existing resources can best support and improve the timely processing of CPB / WTB proposals and ensure effective communication with SBC Ward Councillors throughout the process.

4. SBC continues to develop, and then implements, its new CPB / WTB-related digital case management and submission system (to include a Members Briefing at the appropriate time).

5. SBC strengthens processes around communication between relevant SBC Ward Councillors and officers designing a CPB / WTB scheme if, after feasibility checks are undertaken, environmental or other factors mean the original scope cannot be achieved.

6. Annual updates be provided to all SBC Ward Councillors on the state of CPB / WTB proposals (including the in-year and full four-year Council term budget position).

7. SBC Ward Councillors be supported to increase engagement with local resident and community groups to generate and discuss project proposals at ward level via Ward surgeries and Members newsletters.

8. To increase wider understanding and promotion of these budget schemes, SBC:

a)       publishes a short annual summary on its website of projects funded through CPB and WTB in each ward.

b)       uses its website to confirm budget allocations, processes for applications, any deadlines for season-specific works, and principal contacts for enquiries.

c)       periodically advertises its CPB / WTB website link to the Borough’s Town and Parish Councils, and local residents, via all available communication mediums.

9. SBC introduces an annual report to the relevant SBC scrutiny committee on the CPB and WTB (allocations, proposals, spend, carry-forward, etc.).

3.

Reasons for the Decision

This topic was included on the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025-2026 and continued into the 2026-2027 municipal year. The review is now complete, and the recommendations have been endorsed by the Community Safety Select Committee for submission to Cabinet.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 23 October 2026