ARCHIVED news story
Norfolk public services forge new partnership
Released on 16 September 2009
We want to engage with an involve the county's MYPs so they can have a more effective voice in shaping the services we deliver and that they value the most
Councillor John Fuller, Norfolk Public Service Leaders Board Chairman
Councils in Norfolk have created a new voluntary partnership of public sector leaders to deliver better and more efficient services.
And in a landmark first decision, the partnership immediately pledged to engage and involve young people in developing services which will improve their lives in Norfolk.
At the Board's inaugural meeting on Tuesday (15 September), the councils jointly dissolved the old Norfolk Local Government Association and formed the new Norfolk Public Service Leaders Board.
Chairman of the new Board, South Norfolk Council Leader John Fuller said they had also expanded membership to include the police, health service and others.
And he particularly praised the Board's very first action - inviting a local Member of the Youth Parliament to make a presentation - as a clear statement of intent.
Chloe Donovan, South Norfolk Member of the Youth Parliament, put a strong and influential case forward.
Councillor Fuller said:
"Chloe completely won us over with her rallying call for young people. We now want to engage and involve all the county MYPs giving them a more powerful voice in shaping the services we deliver and that they value the most.
"A recent survey of Norfolk local councils by Ipsos MORI showed yet again that 'activity for young people' is a key priority for local people. We will be inviting Norfolk MYPs to our next meeting on 8 December."
On the formation of the new Board, he said:
"We can now work more effectively, delivering straightforward and efficient services which are more tightly focused, with less duplication and waste.
"We will be looking for regional grants to help us develop new ways of delivering those services together."
The new Board brings together organisations that allocate significant public sector spending in Norfolk. The aim is to improve services by "seeking and seizing opportunities for joint working".
The Board is a voluntary association leaving intact the sovereignty of each participating member. It will meet at least four times a year.
Current membership is Council Leaders and Chairs with their Chief Executives and the CEs of the major public agencies in Norfolk.
That is: all the Norfolk local authorities, Chief Constable and Chief Executive of Norfolk Police Authority, Norfolk and Great Yarmouth & Waveney NHS and the Broads Authority.
In future, it is likely to want to make approaches to other significant public agencies with a view to joining.
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