Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager by saying that all contractors were performing well, and there were no concerns overall.

It was noted that the Private Sector Housing service had not met its targets for working with groups and volunteers, however the officer had returned to their substantive post and a recruitment exercise had been undertaken.  It was hoped that this target would be met in the following quarter.

With regards to the Environmental Enforcement service, it was noted that the number of notices issued overall had fallen, and this was a result of concentrating on dog fouling and littering as opposed to parking violations.  Targeted dog fouling operations had been undertaken, but without significant results.

Members discussed the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance and it was noted that revised targets from April 2018onwards had now been agreed.  It was acknowledged that there were ongoing discussions, outside of contract managements meetings, to ensure the service continued to perform.  Questions were raised in relation to the figures provided on ‘Areas of Blight Targeted’ and it was agreed that the Area Council Manager would follow this up with Twiggs.

The Area Council Manager went on to provide an update on the performance of projects funded through the Dearne Development Fund.  It was noted that most of those originally commissioned had now concluded, but that the September meeting of the Dearne Development Fund Panel had recommended a number for repeat funding due to the impact they had made in the area.

The service provided by DIAL continued to be heavily subscribed.  As this service had similarities with that provided through CAB, the Area Council Manager agreed to help consider whether stresses experienced by the DIAL service could be alleviated.

Members discussed the move to online only provision of information, and the impact this had on services such as DIAL and CAB.  It was noted that support in the area is available from the Job Centre, DECV, Digital Champions, Berneslai Homes, and more.  However, it was felt that the most vulnerable could be further impacted through online only provision.  It was suggested that Members concerns be directed to Ann O’Flynn, Service Director Customer Services.

Goldthorpe Development Group had delivered their last contracted health event in December, which was very well subscribed.  Over the lifetime of the contract there had been 1,098 attendance, and Capita had approached the group to organise an event which they offered to fund.

Members heard how the Allotment Group had performed well, and had now been granted £35,000 of funding over three years from the National Lottery.

The attention of Members was drawn to the reports from CAB and from DECV, the services being delivered by both were considered to be performing well, with the latter helping 6 residents into employment since November, 2017.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.