Agenda item

The report, previously circulated, was introduced by the Area Council Manager.

Members were made aware of recent discussions regarding the contract with Kingdom Security.   Members were reminded of their previous decision to reduce the number of Kingdom officers from four to two from 1^st April, 2018.

Since the date of the decision patrolling hours had been much reduced, and considerably lower than that agreed in the contract, yet invoices had been received for the full amount.  It was suggested that the Area Council Manager liaises with relevant officers within procurement and with Kingdom Security, as Members felt that the service should be delivered to contracted hours or if this was not possible the cost to the Area Council should be reduced correspondingly.

Members noted that Kingdom Security had recently been targeting the locations of the High Street and Park Street in Wombwell, as these had been raised as areas of concern.

Those present heard of the recent workshop where the Advice Services contract was discussed.  It was noted that the increased number of clients accessing the service continued and that this was significantly in excess of the targets set.  A survey had been completed, and it was suggested that options for managing demand could be considered in more detail at the next meeting of the Area Council.

With regards to the Tidy Team contract, it was acknowledged that all outcomes had been met, with the exception of the number of businesses engaged, and the number of new community groups established.  Following discussion with Forge Community Partnership, it was noted that a small restructure would soon be implemented which would lead to an increased resource to undertake targeted work with businesses. This would also include a small pot of finance which could be used to engage businesses and groups in environmental improvement.

Members discussed the issue of litter from fast food outlets and it was suggested that a dual approach from both Kingdom Security and the Tidy Team would be useful to help tackle this.

The need for all contracted services to highlight their sources of funding was acknowledged and contract managers would be reminded of this.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     That the report be received;

(ii)    That the Area Council Manager, with advice from relevant officers within procurement, discusses with Kingdom Security the under performance of the contract for environmental enforcement;

(iii)  That options for managing demand within the Advice Services contract be discussed at the next meeting of the Area Council;

(iv)  That contract managers be reminded of the need to acknowledge South Area Council as a source of funding in their promotional material.