Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report previously circulated.  Members heard of the success of the Love Your Block events in Darfield, and noted the number of young people engaged.  It was thought a positive model that could be applied to other communities.

With regards to the ARC course, a celebration event had been held and Members commented on the benefits of the scheme to young people and the positive feedback from those engaged.  It was noted that a more formal report with regards to the course will be submitted to the Area Council in due course.

Members heard how the Private Sector Housing Management and Enforcement Officer was now in post and had met most of the Councillors in the area.  It was noted that the officer was being proactive and leafletting to raise the awareness of residents, and Members were encouraged to feed in relevant intelligence. The meeting discussed the provision of a body camera for the officer, noting that their safety was paramount.  It was acknowledged that all relevant risk assessments had been completed, but the option of providing a body camera would be pursued.

Attention was drawn to the current financial position, as outlined in the report, noting the amount of finance available to allocate would likely increase slightly due to income from fixed penalty notices.

The meeting noted previous discussed regarding tendering for an advice service, similar to the ‘One Stop Shop’ currently provided, to commence in April, 2017.  It was noted that a review of the Welfare Rights service was currently ongoing and it was felt important to incorporate the findings of this into any future service, ensuring that centrally provided services complemented those provided by the Area Council.  In addition, it was felt important to work closely with Barnsley Clinical Commissioning Group to ensure any service took account of the social prescribing work being undertaken.

It was therefore suggested that a waiver to contract procedure rules be sought, in order to extend the current ‘One Stop Shop’ provision for a further three months in order to take account.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     That the progress of projects under development be noted;

(ii)    That the current financial position in relation to the South Area Council Commissioning Budget for 2016/17 and 2017/18 be noted;

(iii)  That approval be given for the Executive Director Communities to complete the necessary paperwork to waive contract procedure rules to enable the One Stop Shop to be extended until 30^th June, 2017 at cost of up to £18,750;

(iv)  That £75,000 of the 2017/18 budget to be provisionally allocated to funding an advice service in the South Area.