Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item, drawing attention to Part A of the circulated report, which included performance indicators related to the Private Sector Housing Service Level Agreement.

It was noted that figures relating to the new service were positive, especially given that many of the targets had been aspirational.  Members acknowledged that the service delivered largely on good will, rather than enforcement.  Comments were received regarding the high numbers of households identified as vulnerable, and it was suggested that this could also be under recorded.

With regards to the provision of information and advice, the meeting was reminded that the current contract would finish at the end of June, 2017.  At this time it was expected that both the amount of benefit gained and unmanageable debt would exceed the £2million mark.  Members also noted that the number of cases of homelessness averaged three per quarter.  The meeting discussed the number of vulnerable clients accessing the service, and whether this would increase if those socially isolated were engaged.

Members heard that the service continued to be very well subscribed, especially the twilight session, which reflected the numbers of clients on in-work benefits.  The service had recently seen an increase in people seeking help with welfare rights issues due to DIAL services being withdrawn due to loss of funding.

It was noted that the information and advice service funded by the Area Council differed from that being offered centrally, with residents of the Area being offered more face to face and more intensive support.  The centrally provided service was operated on a ‘triage’ basis with increased assistance only to those identified as most vulnerable.  It was agreed that the Area Council Manager provides details of how the ‘triage’ of clients would work to Members.

Members were made aware that a slightly revised service would be operational from July after Citizen’s Advice Bureau Barnsley was successful in their tender.  Unfortunately this meant that Phil Beer, the Welfare Advice Worker, would be returning to his substantive post within the Welfare Rights Service. The Area Council placed on record their thanks, and wished him well in his future endeavours.  It was agreed that the Chair writes a letter of thanks on behalf of the Area Council.

Members commended staff on the success of the service, and the powerful case studies supplied.

With regards to the Tidy Team and Kingdom Security contracts, it was acknowledged that there had been no further monitoring since the previous meeting.

The meeting was reminded that although there was no current monitoring, there was a ‘stay in touch’ period for the Summer Holiday Internship and information on the destinations of the young people engaged would be received in November, 2017.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     that the report be noted; and

(ii)    that the Chair writes a letter to Phil Beer giving thanks for his work as part of the Information and Advice Service and wishing him well in his future endeavours.