Decision

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Resident Participation, Consultation Reform and Leisure and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development have agreed to:

·       Approve the amendment to the existing process for recognising amenity societies to allow the submission of interim applications from amenity groups seeking to be recognised as amenity societies.

·       At any time prior to the next full review milestone in 2028 applications be assessed against the current criteria as and when they are submitted to the Council.

Reasons for Decision

This decision will offer organisations with aspirations of becoming a recognised group within their area a process to apply without waiting for the 10 year full review cycle.

A strategic goal set out in the council’s Fairer Westminster strategy is to build a more inclusive city that celebrates its diverse communities, and where residents are at the heart of decision making. The purpose of assessing individual applications between review times, (currently at 10 year intervals) helps to ensure that the process for recognition of amenity societies is more inclusive and effective and aligns with our council commitment to more effectively include the resident voice in decision making.