Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report, previously circulated. 

For the current financial year the Area Council had an opening balance of £208,467.96.  £65,000 had been allocated to the Dearne Development Fund, and contracts had been continued for Environmental Enforcement, the Private Sector Housing Officer and the Environmental Education and Volunteering Service.  Taking into account income from the Fixed Penalty Notices this left a total of £5,939.96 to allocate.

Members were reminded of their previous decision to allocate £2,000 per year for two years towards the Social Isolation Project.  This was to be funded from the Dearne Development Fund project.  Following the recharge for Fixed Penalty Notices it was suggested that this could now come from the Area Council budget.

An update was provided on the Railway Embankment Project, and it was noted that work on the entrance had progressed.  The project had become a positive talking point for the area.  Members heard how discussions were taking place regarding the memorial for the boys who had passed away on the site and potential relocation from the secondary school.  Network Rail were also looking into the possibility of siting railway memorabilia on site. Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership had agreed to provide interpretation boards highlighting the heritage of the site and its transformation and had promised additional finance for fencing.  Discussions had also taken place regarding the sponsorship of vegetable/flower boxes.

The Area Council Manager provided an update on the finance remaining as part of the Dearne Development Fund, which stood at £46,794.10.   

Members noted the recent discussions to consider future commissions, with further discussions planned.  Also noted was the update in relation to the Social Isolation Project. Three quotes had been requested and two received. Befriend had been successful in gaining the contract, but AGE UK had als expressed a desire to work in the area.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         The financial position of the Area Council be noted;

(ii)       That £2,000 per annum for two years to support the Social Isolation Project, previously agreed to be funded from the Dearne Development Fund budget, be funded from the Area Council Budget;

(iii)      That the progress of previously agreed projects be noted.