The One Watford LSP met today at the YMCA for a properly focused discussion on priorities for spending Watford’s “Performance Reward Grant”. This is money paid by central Government to reward good performance under the first Local Area Agreement. Interestingly, the money is paid to Local Strategic Partnerships rather than local authorities. Hertfordshire originally anticipated around £20m and this was to be divided equally between the County LSP and the ten District LSP. Watford’s allocation would therefore have been £1m (one tenth of half of £20m). We now anticipate that Hertfordshire will get perhaps closer to £15m, which will still leave about £750,000 to be allocated by One Watford.
Other LSPs in the county seem to have invited bids. One Watford unanimously agreed that this was not a good route. We have just reviewed our strategic priorities, and discussions today focused on how One Watford can add value to the work of its constituent bodies without duplicating funding. We are aiming for about three big projects with perhaps some smaller activities too. After a very good discussion, we agreed that the most likely priorities are around community safety, reducing congestion / carbon emissions, and strengthening community cohesion / engagement. It is early days yet, but I am very encouraged by the positive consensus that is emerging.
