Cabinet received a report of the Democratic Services Manager which set out the outcome of the review into the Neighbourhood Locality Application Fund process.

Councillor Watkin introduced the report.  He advised that the working group comprised three councillors who were supported by the Democratic Services Manager and other officers.  He thanked those members who had responded to the survey and provided important feedback.  For some time members had raised concerns about technical issues with the application process, which was completed through the Members Portal.  A permanent quick solution was not possible, however some short term measures would be introduced as set out in the report and a longer term solution would be investigated over the forthcoming year ready to be implemented in 2023/24.  He referred to the application process used by the County Council and it was hoped that a similar solution could be used for Watford.  Councillor Watkin requested the removal of ‘at the earliest’ at the end of the first recommendation.

Councillor Bell agreed that the process used by the County Council was simpler.  He acknowledged the short term changes set out in the report to try to ensure all three ward councillors were able to complete the application.

Councillor Johnson commented that there were other areas of the Members Portal that needed to be reviewed.  He considered the portal to be too ‘clunky’.

The Mayor noted Councillor Watkin’s amendment and moved the recommendations as amended.

RESOLVED –

1.         that a new application process to be developed whereby applications are made through the council’s website by an external organisation and to be introduced in 2023/24.

2.         that a revised interim process be introduced for 2022/23 as detailed in paragraph 4.13 of the report.

3.         that officers review alternative ways to access the Members Portal.