Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item making Members aware that the report covered quarter three of 2017/18.  It was noted that the report did provide an update on the performance of the new contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, but that this did not cover the full quarter due to timing of the contract start.

The attention of Members was drawn to Part A of the report, which provided an overview of performance.  It was noted that the number of jobs, apprentice placements and work experience placements taken up had increased, as had the number of clean and tidy activities involving businesses, and also the proportion of finance spent in the local area.

It was noted that the numbers of young people engaged had increased significantly, as had the number of new community groups supported and therefore correspondingly the number of volunteer hours recorded.

Consideration was then given to Part B of the report whereby an update was provided on the performance of each commissioned service, and also each project funded by the Working Together Fund.

The performance of Twiggs against the contract to provide a clean and tidy team was positive, with them being very proactive at the start of the contract, and a number of contacts had been made with local businesses and Parish Councils.  Performance had been rated ‘amber’ within the report as no quarterly review had taken place at the time of writing the report, but which had since taken place satisfactorily.

The contract with Age UK had concluded its first year and a contract review meeting had been held.  Moving forward it was hoped the commission would work more in localities, with campaigns such as ‘Sloppy Slippers’ being used as a way of engaging isolated in villages in the area.

Members received an update on the Penistone Youth Project, noting that there had been significant underspend which had led to the ability to continue delivering the project for a further quarter. Performance of this would be recorded appropriately.

Questions were raised with regards to community transport, and it was noted that the number of journeys under the volunteer car scheme had increased by 67, with word of mouth being thought to be the reason for its growth.

In relation to the local community bus scheme it was noted that the pilot had been extended through the Working Together Fund. The Area Council Manager had been in discussion with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive around the future of the service.  As discussions were still ongoing, but as the pilot was due to conclude at the end of March, it was agreed that the Area Council Manager progresses discussions as soon as possible.

Members suggested that Age UK could promote access to online service for those who are isolated and vulnerable, especially in light of the impending closure of banks in the area.  It was noted that the library did provide support for those accessing online banking, with a rolling programme of sessions arranged, and it was suggested that this could be promoted through Age UK, and through the Area Team.

Members discussed other ways of accessing banking services, such as through the telephone and Post Office.  A suggestion was made for banks to be contacted to see whether they would be willing to promote their services such as online and telephone banking in the area, and to contact the Post Office for clarity around their offer.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the Area Council Manager progresses discussion with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive with regards to the community bus scheme;

(ii)          That the Area Council Manager contacts relevant banks to see whether they would be available to promote their offer in the area;

(iii)         That the Area Council Manager contacts the Post Office to seek clarity around their offer; and

(iv)         That the report be received.