LSB set to tackle domestic abuse

RESIDENTS have the chance to pose questions on some of the most important issues facing our city at the next Local Service Board meeting this week.

Swansea’s Local Service Board (LSB) threw open its doors to the public for the first time in July and members of the public who attended were able to ask face-to-face questions to board members about items on the meeting’s agenda.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council and Chair of the LSB, said: “The meeting was very successful. Members of the public came along and put their questions to us. It was a lively event and board members are looking forward to the next one.”

The LSB meets six times a year and is a joint effort between city business representatives, the voluntary sector and public organisations working together to tackle issues that matter to local residents.

The next meeting on September 15 plans to look at how LSB members can contribute to actions and activities to tackle domestic abuse and support older people’s independence.

Cllr Stewart said: “The biggest issues and the major priorities our city has to deal with can’t be dealt with alone by the council and other public sector organisations like health services and the police.

“As chair of the LSB, I’m keen that the public can participate, engage with and observe the work undertaken by this important body which brings together many key organisations.”

The July agenda looked at the implications for Swansea and the LSB of the Welsh Government’s Well-Being of Future Generations Act and worklessness.

The meeting also considered proposals for actions on domestic abuse and older people’s independence over the coming year.

Cllr Stewart said: “Issues like worklessness and domestic abuse are issues for us all – communities and neighbourhoods as well as the public, voluntary and business sectors.

“The public sector doesn’t have a monopoly on good ideas or solutions. One of the greatest benefits of the LSB is that voluntary and business organisations can bring a different angle, expertise and experience to an issue which can make all the difference.

“The voluntary sector, for example, represents the many thousands of carers living in our communities without whom the social care system would simply wither away. That’s why they need to have a voice and the opportunity to offer insight. The LSB is one of the ways that happens.”

The agenda and papers for the meeting are now available at www.swansea.gov.uk/lsb