Agenda and minutes

Councillor G. Carr declared a non-pecuniary interest in minute number 5 as trustee of HomeStart South Yorkshire.

The meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 9^th May, 2016.

The Chair gave thanks to Councillor Williams for acting as Chair at the previous meeting.

With regards to the reporting of intelligence for enforcement action, the Area Council Manager updated Members on the work undertaken to improve the reporting pathway, ensuring that calls from Members, and from the general public were directed to the appropriate department.

With reference to RVS and the lack of referrals from GPs, Councillor W Johnson made the meeting aware that he had recently chaired a Scrutiny meeting with the Clinical Commissioning Group, and had the opportunity to highlight this issue.  It was noted that that representatives from the Clinical Commissioning Group would investigate this further.

It was noted that Councillor Williams unfortunately could not attend the Youth Programme Coordinators meeting, but had been provided with a written update.  It was agreed to circulate this to all Members of the Area Council.  Members noted that the Summer Programme was currently being updated and would be circulated when available.

Councillor Bruff raised concerns with the delivery of the Youth Programme, reminding Members that outreach provision had been specified as part of the programme, but it was perceived that much of that being delivered was based in community centres.  It was suggested that effective outreach provision could assist in adverting issues, such as that recently seen in the Hoyle Mill area.

In relation to the RVS contract, it was agreed that the Area Council Manager raises the issue of steering group meetings being reconvened as part of the RVS at the next contract monitoring meeting.

Members expressed concern at minute 43, Neighbourhood Services Question and Answer session.  The meeting felt that the minute did not adequately express their frustrations with the service, which related to an historic lack of response, and an inability to provide performance information.

It was also noted that some Members had yet to receive service schedules and associated maps, and it was agreed to remedy this.

The Chair made Members aware of recent discussions with the Executive Director Place (Matt Gladstone) regarding the provision of performance information relating to Neighbourhood Services, as part of the recent Check and Challenge Exercise.  The service had a number of performance measures, such as fly tipping, which were reported as part of the Corporate Plan.  However data relating to the delivery of service standards was not currently collected.  The outcome of the discussion was that the service would reconsider their service standards and the performance information it collected, and would report back to the Area Council in six months on progress in relation to the Check and Challenge exercise.

Members noted that there were positive examples of the work of Neighbourhood Services, most recently around the Broadway area of town, and those present recognised the impact of financial reductions on provision.  However, the importance of providing performance information and accurate schedules of work was stressed, this would help to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The Enforcement and Investigations Officer (Nicola Dagnall) and Private Sector Housing and Environment Officer (Diane Dodds) were invited to the meeting.    Members were reminded of the content of the Service Level Agreement, and the work of the team.  This included dealing with a number of issues that had a detrimental impact on others, working closely alongside other agencies.   Also noted were the aims and objectives the team had set.

The presentation went on to provide three case studies, showcasing the work of the team, the first of which related to an area of fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and street drinking/drug taking. 

A proactive visit led to the examination of fly-tipping and subsequent investigation. This ultimately resulted in fines and CPN warning letters issued.  Members noted that the area was subsequently cleared, and following work with residents and local businesses, has remained clear.

The second case study referred to a residence, where neighbours had complained about rubbish in the grounds of the property.  On investigation officers found that occupier was terminally ill.  Support was therefore given in order to clear the waste, and to work with the landlord to make necessary repairs, enabling the resident to avoid eviction.  A referral was also made to the vulnerable person’s officer for assistance, and the family were referred to support services such as bereavement support.

The third case study referred to work with a family, which had been identified as vulnerable by Police.  There were concerns with child neglect and subsequently issues such as domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, a rat infestation, and safeguarding issues were found.

Social care was engaged, and referrals were made to a number of agencies including Victim Support, Phoenix Futures, Pest Control, and Welfare Rights.  Officers worked with the family to assist with rehoming, and as a result of the assistance the children involved were now attending school with the parent attending parenting classes.  The extended family had also received support.

Members were made aware that 686 different cases had been investigated, and the range of issues addressed was noted.  Officers made the meeting aware that every referral is investigated, as often minor issues, when investigated, led to unearthing further problems.

Members gave praise to the staff for their hard work, the impact the project had made, and the feedback Members had received from the team.  It was suggested that the early help given could help prevent the need for more high cost and more in-depth intervention later on.

A question was asked regarding whether landlords were resistant to intervention by the project.  It was noted that generally, once officers intervened, the landlords cooperated.   Further discussion took place on the impact of charging for pest control services, and whether this offered a deterrent to using the service.

RESOLVED:-

(i)                    That thanks be given for the presentation and for the hard work the officers had undertaken;

(ii)                  That the Stronger Barnsley Locality Manager (Joe Micheli) and Interim Service Director, Stronger, Safer and Healthier Communities (Paul Hussey) share the good  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Councillor Williams provided an update regarding the Health Workshop recently held.  The workshop focused on the three key areas of: - Smoking; Oral Health; and Physical Activity.  Under these themes the workshop considered what was being delivered, and where Central Area Council could provide support and add value.

With regards to smoking prevalence, it was noted that there were high levels of smoking during pregnancy in the area.  Members thought that the numbers using the stop smoking drop-in facility had reduced and that there was now less outreach provision.  It was noted that a significant amount of publicity material was available, and that the support could be given to help update and distribute this. A number of other actions suggested at a ward level contained within the report were also noted, which included ensuring local crime and community safety groups were aware of, and discussed, illicit tobacco control.

Members went on to discuss the Oral Health theme, and suggested actions within the report. These focused on disseminating information and resources via Area Council’s contracted partners, through community venues, and at community events. 

With regards to Physical Activity, it was suggested that much available provision was linked to the Shaw Lane facility and that more outreach provision could be arranged.  A number of actions at a ward level were considered, including promoting available provision and helping to reduce barriers to participation.

Members expressed thanks for the hosting of the workshop, and discussed the historic investment in the themes discussed, and the impact seen specifically in improving oral health.

The meeting discussed materials to increase physical activity in the area, such as walking and cycling maps, and the cycling, walking and running clubs established in the area. It was suggested that all of which could be further promoted.

Members discussed the prevalence of vaping, noting that it had been discussed at the workshop, and was not something that was promoted. However, it was agreed to be less dangerous when compared to smoking, and was an aid some adult smokers preferred to use.

It was noted that Scrutiny had recently undertaken an investigation on this subject, and arrived at a number of recommendations.  It was acknowledged that the Area Council did not want to replicate any of this work, but that there was an opportunity to aid delivery of health related activity at a ward level.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           that the report be received, and the recommended actions contained within be supported;

(ii)          that a future meeting of the Area Council receives a progress report on the delivery of actions contained within the report.

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, and reference was made to the current contracts let by the Area Council.  These included the recent award of a contract to Homestart South Yorkshire to provide a ‘Private rented home visiting and support service for families with young children’, which would run from 1^st June, 2016 to 31^st March, 2017.

Members noted the need to consider what activity the Area Council may wish to consider funding post March, 2017, as the procurement for services to start in April, 2017 would need to commence in the autumn of 2016.

The meeting discussed the current priority areas previously agreed for the Central Area, and whether they were still valid.  Through discussion the meeting arrived at the following priorities: - Family Support; Children and Young People (including emotional resilience and wellbeing); Adults (including vulnerable and older people); and the Environment.  In addition Cohesion, and Early Help and Prevention were seen as underpinning principles.

It was suggested that task groups be established to review current provision for the priority areas suggested, and define the service need.  The groups would then look to develop a business case for intervention, and consider how this may best be procured.  Members noted the suggested timescales for this process to ensure effective delivery from April, 2017.

The Area Council Manager went on to provide an update on the financial position for the Area Council.  Taking into account income from Fixed Penalty Notices and Parking Charge Notices, £97,535 remained unallocated for the 2016/17 financial year.

RESOLVED that:-

(i)        The updates on all the contracts of Central Area Council be noted, including the outcome of the procurement to deliver a ‘Private rented home visiting and support service for families with young children’;

(ii)       The following areas be agreed as priorities for the Area Council moving forward:-  Family Support; Children and Young People (including emotional resilience and wellbeing); Adults (including vulnerable and older people); and the Environment;

(iii)      That Cohesion, and Early Help and Prevention be adopted as underpinning principles for the Area Council;

(iv)     That the review process as outlined in the report, including the establishment of task groups, be approved;

(v)       The financial position for the Area Council, as contained in Appendix 1 of the report be noted.

Central – held on 27^th April, 2016

Dodworth – held on 26^th April, 2016

Kingstone – held on 18^th May, 2016

Stairfoot – held on 18^th April, 2016 and 9^th May, 2016

Worsbrough – held on 31^st March, 2016 and 12^th May, 2016

The meeting received the notes of the meetings of the Ward Alliances within the Central Area held in March, April, and May 2016.

Members gave praise to all involved in the arrangement of the recent Springfest event, which was considered to be a great success.  Specific mention was made to Doreen Gwilliam and Andrea Greaves for their hard work, and it was agreed that the Chair sends a letter of thanks to them on behalf of the Area Council.

The meeting was made aware of the intention to highlight Springfest in the next Corporate Plan report as a model of good practice.

RESOLVED that the notes of theWard Alliances be received.

The meeting received a report detailing expenditure from the Ward Alliance Funds for the year to 6^th June, 2016.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.