Agenda item

The report was introduced by the Area Council Manager.  Members were reminded of the ability of Area Councils to consider local issues relating to services other than those commissioned by the Area Council within their terms of reference.  To this end two workshop sessions had recently been held, one with officers from Neighbourhood Services, and another with staff from Early Help/Family Centre Services.

The Chair went on to speak about the workshop with Neighbourhood Services, which was believed to be productive and conducive to building a partnership approach between the service and the Area Council.  Highlighted were a number of areas of concern such as:- the schedules for emptying litter bins; shrub maintenance; and how fly-tipping was dealt with.

A number of recommendations had been arrived at, which were attached as appendix 3 of the report.  Members discussed the positive service delivered by Neighbourhood Services in removing fly-tipping quickly; however the undesired impact of encouraging further fly-tipping was noted and the need to consider this in more detail for the area acknowledged.   Members noted that the problem was associated with Private Sector Housing in the area, and particularly linked to HMOs.

Councillor Clarke gave feedback on the workshop held with colleagues from Early Help/Family Centre Services, as at appendix 4. A number of concerns had been raised, including why certain centres were operating under capacity.  Issues around the current take up of places for 2 year olds in the area were also discussed, however it was noted that the service was still in its infancy, and that more time may be required to fully judge its effectiveness.

Members noted the feedback from the workshop, and recommendations as part of the appendices, and the future areas for consideration.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            The update regarding the role of Area Council role to consider local issues identified about the delivery of area-based services and borough-wide services provided locally, within the framework as previously agreed be noted;

(ii)          The local service delivery reports for Neighbourhood Services, and Early Help/Family Centre Service be received and the recommendations contained within be endorsed;

(iii)         That the future service areas for consideration be approved.