Agenda item

The Area Council Manager provided an update to the meeting, referring to the Performance Report previously circulated.   Overall all services were performing satisfactorily, achieving targets set.

With regards to the Environmental Enforcement Service, it was noted that there had been a slight dip in the number of Fixed Penalty Notices.  Possible reasons for this were discussed, which included changes in staff in the area.  Members heard how 67 Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued in the quarter in question, of which 59 were for littering.   The meeting heard how the payment rate was currently only at 40% but this was likely to increase.

Members heard how Barnsley had recently been in the national news as 8% of all Fixed Penalty Notices for dog fouling issued nationally had been within the borough.    Also noted was the income to date from this commission which was over £5,800.  The meeting discussed the tasking of Kingdom Security officers, noting that this was a mix of patrolling and targeted operations.  The need to ensure specific intelligence was provided was acknowledged, as was the reticence of some members of the public to provide this for fear of being identified by perpetrators.

The meeting discussed the work alongside enforcement to improve the environment, including community clean ups, and work with schools and voluntary groups to raise awareness of the impact of littering.  It was suggested that awareness raising could be more targeted around litter hot-spots.

Issues with dog bins being emptied at Carrfield Park and the contents thrown around were discussed. It was suggested that this could be a focus for PCSOs in the area, and the dangers of dog faeces could be discussed in schools.

Members heard how a number 7 young people from the area had taken part in a restorative justice session, instead of paying their Fixed Penalty Notice.

With regards to the Housing Enforcement Service Level Agreement, within the last quarter 297 complaints had been received, 73 of these related to waste on premises.  The service was increasingly supporting vulnerable people, and had been asked to keep records of what services individuals were referred or signposted to.

Within the report was a case study referring to a fly tipping incident, which was due to go to court.  It was suggested that this could be used in the Community Magazine to raise awareness of the need to employ individuals with a waste carriers licence to remove waste.

The performance of the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance was discussed and in the previous quarter the project had engaged 25 businesses, and assisted residents take ownership of 16 areas.  It was noted that a recent focus had been to encourage businesses and residents to take responsibility for their own environment.

In addition the team had worked with 78 established groups, helping to collected 925 bags of rubbish.  Awareness raising sessions had been held at two local schools.

The meeting went on to discuss the success of the projects funded by Dearne Development Fund.   The Allotment Group had worked with PSS and the Salvation Army, and had donated food to the cook and eat sessions held.  The project supported those with learning difficulties, who helped to sell produce, which in turn helped to make the allotment sustainable.

The events organised by Goldthorpe Development Group continued to be very well attended with 80-100 people at each.  A number of support agencies engaged in the events, and at least 10 volunteers were in support.

The DIAL drop in service continued to be well subscribed, and were of increasing importance given the changes to benefits. 12 sessions were held each quarter, with 71 residents seen in the previous quarter. Based on 45 clients seen, the additional benefit gained was £130,000.  The meeting discussed how residents were made aware of the service, and it was noted that this was often through word of mouth, but that the Housing Enforcement Team did refer individuals.  It was suggested a feature in the Community Magazine would be useful.

Regarding the Workability Project, members heard how 51 learners had been engaged so far, with 5 entering employment locally.  Members noted that the success of the project was related to it being local, supportive and inclusive.  A suggestion was made to try to match the training offered to the skills required by local employers, and to try and engage businesses such as Barclay’s who had digital champions.

Members noted that the TADS programme came to an end in in January, 2017 and the feedback received was extremely positive, with participants benefitting greatly from early intervention. 

The meeting was updated on the more recent applications for the Dearne Development Fund. 8 had been successful, with 6 having matching funding.  Where appellants had already previously received funding, work was being undertaken to look at sustainability, and to reduce reliance in the long term on Area Council funds.

Members noted a funding workshop being held in February, and a suggestion was made that a dedicated funding officer in the area would be extremely beneficial.

Members attention was drawn to the additional report circulated which provided an update on the performance of community safety in the Dearne.  The meeting noted inaccuracies in the report. The Chair made members aware of her recent meetings with the new Chief Inspector for the area to discuss the policing presence in 2017 and in the interim until the new system is in place.

It was suggested that levels of crime in the area had risen due to the withdrawal of PCSOs from the area, and it was hoped that a visible presence back in the area would help return levels to those seen previously.

RESOLVED:- that the performance of the two Dearne Area Council commissions, the Service Level Agreement, and Dearne Development Fund projects be noted.