Agenda item

Members were reminded of the previous decision to extend the contract with Age UK in to a second year and it was noted that the contract was now in the final quarter.

In considering how to respond to the learning from the service to support isolated and vulnerable older people, a previous meeting of the Area Council had agreed to establish a grant fund to support this demographic.  Members noted that necessary documentation and appropriate arrangements for the grant fund were currently being developed and it would be operational by the end of October, 2018.

It was suggested that the fund would be targeted in the first instance, and would then be advertised more widely.  It was hoped that the fund would enable collaboration between larger and smaller groups.

With regards to the Working Together Fund a total of £202,038 had been made available and £3,608 remained.  It was noted that a further application could be forthcoming to extend advice services in the area.  It was suggested that Members consider options to fund further advice provision in the area at the next meeting of the Area Council, which may include extension of the Working Together Fund.

The attention of Members was drawn to the financial overview provided, with £186,709 allocated from the 2018/19 budget, and £18,448 remaining.  £57,171 had been allocated from the 2019/20 budget.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the updates, as contained within the report be noted;

(ii)          That the financial position of the Area Council be noted;

(iii)         That the next meeting of the Area Council considers options for providing advice services in the Area.