Contact: Jeff Pattison, ext 7321

Summary

The following decision is sought:

That an annual Good Neighbour Award Scheme be approved in principle subject to the receipt of satisfactory information on the following matters:-

· The estimated number of annual awards

· Confirmation that the awards ceremony can be incorporated into the Voluntary Sector annual receptions

· That Social Services are able to meet the marginal costs from holding the joint ceremonies

Reason

In accordance with the Cabinet's Older People Priority and in partnership with the Hampshire Voluntary Care Group Advisory Service, the Older People Working Group considered that it would be very worthwhile to establish a countywide Good Neighbour Award Scheme. The intention is to thereby publicly recognise the excellent work currently undertaken by large numbers of existing voluntary workers and groups. Hopefully the publicity given to the scheme will then encourage others to follow their good example.

As well as supporting the Cabinet's priority for Older People, it is considered that this proposal will also be supportive of Aims 1 and 4 of the County Council's Corporate Strategy - Maximising Life Opportunities and Building Strong Communities.

Other options considered and rejected - Not to pursue the Good Neighbour Award Scheme.

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted - Not applicable.

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Approved by Date of decision