Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the report, which covered the period October to December 2016.  The attention of Members was drawn to Part A of the report, which showed the cumulative impact of performance to date.

The number of full time equivalent jobs created was thought to be high when compared to the target.  It was noted that this was due to a number of jobs being created by the Dearne Development Fund, which was an open application process.  It was suggested that greater consideration could be given to setting the overall targets associated with the finance distributed by Dearne Area Council, including the Dearne Development Fund, in the future.

With regards to the Environmental Enforcement contract, Members were made aware that there had been 68 Fixed Penalty Notices issued, which was a slight increase on the previous quarter.  The meeting was made aware of work across all the Area Councils in the borough to assess the impact and value for money of the service. 

Members discussed the impact of the service in the Dearne, and agreed that there had not been the behaviour change expected, with litter still being a significant issue.

Although patrols spent equal time in both Dearne North and Dearne South Wards, it was noted that more notices were issued in Dearne North.  Also noted was the clean-up event held in Dearne North. 7 young people had attended in lieu of paying their fine.  Members heard that rather than organising their own separate environmental improvement event, Kingdom would now engage in already planned activities.

In reference to the Private Sector Housing Management SLA, 232 complaints had been received by the service.  Of the 62, 56 had complied straight away, with only one case leading resulting in a Community Protection Notice being issued.  Councillor Noble commended the team for their focus on providing support for vulnerable households, as opposed to enforcement.  Members commended the staff employed through the SLA on their involvement in the clear up work at the Bullring, however Members acknowledged that this had since been flytipped again.  The Senior Management Link Officer offered to provide flytipping posters for use in the area, noting that there had been a recent downward trend across the borough.

Members heard how Twiggs had supported 14 groups in the quarter in question.  In addition the team had worked with 8 businesses and targeted 206 areas for clean-up.  It was noted that impact of littering courses had been delivered at Carrfield Primary School and at Dearne Valley College.

The meeting heard how Twiggs had developed a positive relationship with Dearne Valley College and it was hoped that work placement opportunities could be offered to students in the future.  Members noted that the recent thefts from Twiggs had resulted in much positive feedback from the community, which supported their work and attempted to reunite them with their equipment.

The meeting went on to consider the Dearne Development Fund, noting that 21 applications had been received, with 9 supported from 2015/16 finances at a value of £77,646. All of these awards had been successful in both delivering in the area, and assisting the successful groups to build their own capacity.

The Area Council Manager provided an update on the Dearne Allotment Group, which continued to do well. The group was working with the Salvation Army, Goldthorpe Development Group, Thurnscoe Park and Big Local.  They had recently been successful in gaining Section 106 monies.  It was noted that the Area Team would be working with the group to ensure they had appropriate skills and governance in place.

To date Goldthorpe Development Group had held 12 health events, with 1,093 people attending.  It was noted that health providers attended the events, and as a result of Be Well Barnsley attending 6 individuals were referred to their GP with high blood pressure.

Members discussed the positive work of Dearne Valley Bulldogs, noting their inclusive nature, and a young person who had been supported was now playing at a national level.  The £15,000 allocated to the group had resulted in them being able to access a further £75,000 from Sport England.

The meeting went on to consider the work undertaken by Dearne Electronic Community Village (DECV).  It was noted that 71 learners had been engaged, significantly in excess of the 40 target.  All 71 would eventually receive a qualification and 7 had gone on to full time employment.  The meeting acknowledged the age profile of learners and recognised the impact the service had on their lives.

Councillors heard that hOurbank had 8 young members, who were mostly active in the school holidays.  In addition 70 adult members had taken part in activities with much taking place around Cherry Tree Court.

Members discussed the work of TADS, noting the service had engaged with 20 children of primary school age and 10 of secondary school age.  The impact was thought to be positive, but it was suggested that should a similar scheme be funded in future that the impact on the CAMHS waiting list should be determined.

The meeting noted the projects funded through the Dearne Development Fund in 2016/17.  Members heard how the majority had started, and that monitoring information would feature in future performance reports.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.