Agenda and minutes

Councillor Williams declared a non-pecuniary interest in minute number 35 due to the position of his wife as acting chair of YMCA Barnsley.

The meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 30^th March, 2022.

Members noted that with regard to Minute 30 ‘Procurement and Financial Update’ in relation to the income from Fixed Penalty Notices issues of contention went through to a Liverpool office. Members queried why would this happen and were assured this would be looked into

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 30^th March, 2022 be approved as a true and correct record.

Dimitri Fedetov and Faye Dolan from The Youth Association were welcomed to the meeting to provide Members with an overview of the performance of the service which has supported young people in a number of wards in the area.  They outlined the history and approach of the service which included progressive on street youthwork.

A presentation was delivered which detailed the work they were delivering in each ward.  In Worsborough this involved concentrating on supporting young women with a street-based curriculum which empowers young girls by reducing barriers using dance, skateboarding and taster sessions in boxercise and rock climbing. Boys were also included when working on self-defence and also took part in caged steel mixed martial arts to help them feel safer.   In relation to Worsborough Park improvements, young people had been involved in decision making and the planning of the project work and had delivered a community day for Halloween

In the Central Ward the focus was on sport and those involved were looking at applying for external funding to support this; in the Stairfoot area they had identified anti-social behaviour, community relationships and LQBT as issues on which young people wanted to concentrate.  In Kingstone the focus was on delivering sporting activities and developing ambassadors for the service.

Additionally, the service had concentrated on exposing young people to positive role models with trips and visits from key people. Furthermore, there had been support for community groups such as Bank End Club, Worsborough Community Group and Care for Kendray, along with deep dive training for grassroots volunteers to help them run their own youth focused projects.

In the ensuing discussion reference was made to the following:

·         It was explained that a number of spaces were utilised throughout the area for indoor work including the Ward Green Centre, Libraries and Worsborough Common Community Centre;

·         The service stated they were working with other organisations to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour;

·         It was agreed that contact details provide could be shared;

·         Members passed on their congratulations on the work being done by the Youth Association. However, queries were received in relation to how to address any urgent work needed in a particular area.  The service responded that they would always aim to be involved but acknowledged that there were not enough resources to enable them to act as a task force and that acute issues were not part of their remit. More in detail information was also given on how support was provided, as well as agencies involved, in relation to CSE. 

Members questioned whether grant funding could enable the Youth Association delivery to be spread across the whole area of need. Councillor Williams clarified that the possibility of the Youth Association Service being available for the whole of the Central Area was being explored

Andrea Battye, Jeff Platts and Joanne King from YMCA were welcomed to the meeting to provide an overview on the Unity Project and work in the Dodworth Ward, both of which aimed to enable young people  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

The Area Council Managers introduced the item which provided an up-to-date overview of current priorities as well as an overview of all current contracts, contract extensions, Service Level Agreements and Grant Funded projects together with the associated timescales together with the financial position to date and projections to 2023/24.

It was noted that:

·         The financial envelope for the youth work fund had been approved at area council in February;

·         The proposed timeline had been implemented with work being carried out with Chilypep and objectives identified which included sourcing volunteers for the grants panel and ensuring young people's voices were heard. It was noted that the timeline highlighted the delivery date of 1st July, 2022 with existing contracts due to end on 31^st June.

·         The Environmental Clean and Green Contract had been awarded to Twiggs for lot 1, with options for lot 2 to be agreed.  Members heard how Twiggs had commenced delivery and would attend all Ward Alliances quarterly in addition to contract management meetings;

·         With reference to lot 2 of the Environmental Clean and Green contract, it was noted that an examination would be undertaken to ascertain why some organisations may have been reluctant to submit tenders;

·         Reference was also made to the valuable contribution of volunteers to the success of various projects and initiatives.

RESOLVED:-

                 i)        That the overview of the Central Area Council’s current priorities, and overview of all current contracts, contract extensions, Service Level Agreements and Wellbeing Fund projects, with associated timescales, be noted;

                ii)        That the actual financial positions to date for 2022/2023 and the projected expenditures, including future proposals, to 2023/24 as outlined in Appendices 1 & 2 be noted; and

               iii)        That the responsibility to approve all necessary paperwork in order to ensure the procurement and approval of Youth Work Grand funded projects (up to a total value of £65,000 per annum) be delegated to the Executive Director Adults and Communities.

Central Ward Alliance – held on 2^nd March, 2022

Kingstone Ward Alliance – held on 16^th March, 2022

The meeting received the notes of the meetings following Ward Alliances within the Central Area:-

Central Ward Alliance held on 2nd March 2022

Kingstone Ward Alliance held on 16th March 2022

Councillor Clarke made Members aware of the the success of the Age UK Group in the Worsbrough Ward.  It was noted that this had been replicated in the Stairfoot Ward.

RESOLVED that the notes from the Ward Alliances be received.

The report regarding the use of Ward Alliance Funds in the area was received.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

The Chair noted that this would be the last meeting of the Area Council attended by Councillor Bruff.  He placed on record his thanks for her dedication, contribution and the challenge provided to the Area Council.

This sentiment was echoed by all Members present.

RESOLVED that the Area Council extends to Councillor Bruff their best wishes for a long and happy retirement.