The Future for the Communities First Programme – 2012+

Key Decisions – made to date

  • From 2012 Communities First will be a Community Focussed Anti-Poverty programme.
  • There will be broad Outcomes for CF:

-         Prosperous Communities; (Employment)

-         Learning Communities; (Education/Skills)

-         Healthier Communities;

  • There will be flexibility to include (e.g.) Environment, Safety, Arts.
  • ALL activity funded must demonstrate contribution to tackling poverty.

 

 

Eligibility of areas

  • The new Programme will be based on Clusters focussed on areas among the most deprived 10% in Wales.
  • Welsh Index of Multiple deprivation 2011 (WIMD) will be the main source of evidence.
  • Most clusters will need to include other areas; these should be mainly or wholly among the most deprived 20% LSOAs in WIMD.
  • Inclusion of areas outside most deprived 30% will be exceptional.
  • Target population size for Clusters will be 10,000 – 15,000.
  • Criteria for inclusion of LSOAs outside the most deprived 20%:

-         Adjacent to a more deprived area and demonstrably part of the same local community or settlement (e.g. estate);

-         Within a recognised boundary for a key partner service (e.g. school catchment);

-         Within the most deprived 20% for more than one key WIMD domain: Education; Health; Income; Heath;

-         Demonstrably facilitate engagement with particular vulnerable groups of people (e.g. BME communities).

  • Most Clusters should fall within Local Authority boundaries – few exceptions.
  • Existing CF areas not included in a Cluster will be eligible for exit strategy funding to the end of March 2013.

 

Regional Programme Boards

  • A Regional Framework will be fundamental to the new Programme.
  • CF Regional Programme Boards (RPBs) will be established across Wales, using the footprint for Public Service collaboration – i.e. six regions
  • RPBs will include strong community representation from each Cluster.
  • RPBs will:

-         Promote the CF Programme

-         Link Clusters with the national Anti-Poverty Programme Board;

-         Ensure accountability across CF;

-         Be responsible for the identification and dissemination of good practice;

-         Support programme Bending.

 

Funding & Staffing

  • Funding will be allocated to each Cluster, primarily to enable a Delivery Plan and a Community Involvement Plan to be delivered.
  • Each Cluster will have a substantial Delivery Team to support Community Involvement and deliver agreed activity/outcomes.
  • Levels of funding will depend on the quality of applications received.
  • Commitment to the existing workforce remains, and further provision will be made for training and support with transition to the new programme.

 

Outline Criteria for funding

  • Ability to deliver outcomes in line with programme aims.
  • Evidence of need, based on detailed analysis of WIMD and other evidence.
  • Focus on vulnerable people, with clarity about who will benefit from CF.
  • Communities fully involved, adding value to all work funded,
  • Partnership with key services and other agencies, including financial and in-kind support where appropriate.
  • Fit with other WG programmes (e.g. Flying Start; Regeneration).
  • Further detailed guidance will follow, including advice on management costs, premises, etc.

 

Community Involvement

  • Community Involvement will remain an essential part of Communities First.
  • “Community Involvement” will include information, engagement, development and empowerment.
  • Each Cluster will have a Community Involvement plan to increase current levels of involvement.
  • Plans should build on achievements, including good existing Partnerships.
  • Involving young people and vulnerable groups should be a priority in all areas.
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