Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the item, reminding Members that the new advice service delivered by Citizen’s Advice Bureau would commence 1^st July, 2017.

With regards to the Area Council Magazine, it was noted that this would be distributed by Smart Distribution week commencing 24^th July, 2017.

In relation to the activities with young people, the South Area Council Manager had met with officers from Forge Community Partnership to discuss the finer details of the media project.  In addition it was noted that Forge Community Partnership will be working with BMBC parks, and young people to plan ‘pop up’ sessions to take place in the summer.

Members noted the other development work undertaken by the South Area Council Manager, which included discussions with Public Health and Age UK to take forward the work around Social Isolation, culminating in the options paper considered later on the agenda.  It also included support of the Principal Towns Project Manager, and further work on social return on investment with Rocket Science.

The meeting noted the work of the South Area Council Manager in showcasing the work undertaken in Barnsley for the Municipal Journal Award for Community Involvement.  It was noted that Barnsley was highly commended, and thanks were given to all those involved in both competing for the award, and giving their time to improve Barnsley to make this possible.

The meeting discussed the scheme in the Dearne Area, which provided young people with Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) accreditation in order for them to work on sites.  A number of applications had been received for the scheme from young people living in the South Area, and Members discussed the merits of such a scheme, including whether to ask beneficiaries to volunteer in return for accessing provision.  It was a suggested that this be explored in more detail, and be discussed at a future meeting of the Area Council.

Members then considered the financial position of the Area Council.  A total of £493,615 had been available in 2017/18, however taking into account allocations already made £47,346 remained.  A number of areas where the Area Council may wish to invest were mentioned, including extending the Private Sector Housing Officer contract, and work to help overcome social isolation.

The meeting went on to consider the financial position in 2018/19, noting that current contractual obligations equated to approximately £405,000.  This figure was set against an annual allocation of £400,000, noting that this did not include any income from enforcement activity.   It was noted that a a workshop had been arranged in September, 2017 to discuss the priorities for the area, and the evaluate each of the current contracts.   It was also suggested that the Area Council may wish to explore other external funding streams.

The report circulated also proposed the establishment of an Area-Wide Partner Network, which would identify joint working and funding opportunities to address issues in the Area.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     That the progress of commissioned projects be noted;

(ii)    That the progress of other non-commissioned development be noted;

(iii)  That the development of a project to provide young people with CSCS accreditation be further explored and the findings be presented to a future meeting of the Area Council;

(iv)  That the financial position for 2017/18 and beyond be noted, and;

(v)   That an Area-Wide Partners Network to identify joint working and funding opportunities be developed.