19 May - Improvement in North Somerset Workshop

On the 19 May NSP Executive members met with representatives from Government Office South West (GOSW) and key inspection agencies at NSHousing offices in Portishead.

The aim of the meeting was to develop a shared understanding of the key issues and challenges facing the area, to agree a shared focus and support for inspection activity.

The key issues identified were:

• Public Service Finance - understanding the impact of likely changes
• The growing population of older people, particularly the 85+ age group
• The increasing demand for key children and young people's services such as safeguarding
• The challenge of reducing the inequalities gap across the area
• Developing improved community engagement, confidence and experience despite growing pressures on services
• Challenges to providing housing opportunities that reflect the mixed nature of communities across the area

Added note:

Since the May meeting the new government has announced that Comprehensive Area Assessment has been stopped. However, these issues will be considered at future NSP meetings and appropriate partnership activity identified.