Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report, previously circulated.  It was noted that the contract with Age UK to support isolated and vulnerable older people had officially been extended in October, 2017 to run for a further year 1^st January, 2018 – 31^st December, 2018.  An update on progress would be provided later in the year.  Members heard how the project was considering how it could make its efforts sustainable should future funding not be forthcoming.

The Working Together Fund was discussed and it was acknowledged that from a total budget of £202,038 the balance remaining for allocation stood at £33,856.  A suggestion was made that this ought to remain allocated to the fund, with the Area Team launching a promotional campaign to raise interest.

A brief reminder was given in relation to the contracting arrangements with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, and it was agreed that a six month progress report would be presented to a future meeting of the Area Council.

Members were reminded of the previous decision to produce two further editions of the community magazine in 2018, which would be funded through advertising within the publication.  Those present were asked to consider funding the distribution of the publication to every household in the area, at a cost of £3,362 for both editions.  Some concerns were expressed regarding whether this provided value for money as there was only anecdotal evidence of how wide the publication was read.  It was noted that officers in Communications were considering how this could be evidenced for each of the community magazines.

The Area Council Manager provided Members with an update of the financial situation of the Area Council.   It was noted that in the financial year 2017/18 £5,157 remained unallocated. For 2018/19 £148,000 remained unallocated.  However, taking into account the finance carried forward from 2017/18, and assuming the Clean and Tidy Contract was funded for a further year, and distribution of the community magazine was also funded, £51,788 remained within the 2018/19 budget

RESOLVED:-

(i)            The update on procured services be noted;

(ii)          The update on the Working Together Fund  be noted;

(iii)         That the remaining Working Together Fund finance be carried forward to 2018/19 and a promotional campaign be delivered to attract new applicants;

(iv)         That a six month progress report on the Clean, Green and Tidy contract be presented to a future meeting of the Area Council.

(v)          The financial position of the Area Council be noted;

(vi)         That two further issues of the Community Magazine be distributed throughout the area at a cost of £3,362.