Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, who referred to the contract a service to reduce social isolation, currently held by Age UK.  It was noted that the contract was initially offered for 12 months, with an option to extend this subject to performance, and funding being available.

In order to inform this discussion, it was suggested that a report be produced, highlighting the performance of the contract, followed by a presentation by Age UK.  The proposed course of action was supported by Members.

The meeting noted that the current figure available for allocation through the Working Together Fund was £105,455.  The panel had recently met and considered five expressions of interest, selecting three to be further developed.  A second stage application for these would be submitted in due course.

The meeting noted the procurement of a Clean and Tidy Team, with the deadline of 19^th June, 2017 for tenders to be returned.  It was expected that the contract would start mid-August, 2017.

Members acknowledged the TUPE implications, and noted the extension to the employment of current Clean and Tidy Team staff.  The team would therefore be able to support Penistone Gala, Mayor’s Parade and Armed Forces Day, and costs would be contained within normal contract variations, due to underspends.

The financial position of the Area Council was noted, with £36,373.50 remaining unallocated for 2017/18.   Members discussed proposals within the report to consider a contract for increased enforcement around dog fouling, littering and parking, and the possibility of devolving additional finance to the Ward Alliance.   After some discussion a decision was made to devolve a further £5,000 per ward.

RESOLVED:-

(i)        That the update on the Isolated and Vulnerable Older People service be noted;

(ii)       That a 6 month performance report be produced by Age UK with a subsequent presentation to the Area Council, and that the contract be discussed in depth at the Area Council meeting on 5^th October, 2017;

(iii)      That the update on the Working Together Fund be noted;

(iv)     That the position in relation to staffing and extension of the existing Clean and Tidy Service contract be noted;

(v)       That the procurement timescales for a new Clean and Tidy Service be noted;

(vi)     That an additional £5,000 per Ward be devolved to the Ward Alliance Fund to be allocation as per agreed processes; and

(vii)    That the finance report be noted.