Agenda item

Members were reminded of the priorities of Central Area Council and how these dovetailed with those of the Council.

Members’ attention was drawn to the current situation with regards to contracts held and it was noted that the contract held by RVS would be reviewed in March, and if extended would finally cease on 31^st March, 2020.  It was also noted that the contract with YMCA was due to be reviewed in January, and if extended would also finally cease on 31^st March, 2020.

Those present were reminded of previous approvals associated with a Private Rented Tenant Support service.  It was noted that, following a second attempt at recruiting, a successful candidate was due to start in post imminently.  The meeting discussed how the contract would be managed and it was stressed that although employed as part of the Safer Neighbourhood Service, the resource was that of the Area Council.

Members discussed how the officer would identify new tenants, and it was acknowledged that the service had positive links with letting agents, and it was noted that Members were encouraged to supply intelligence.

In relation to the service to the Targeted Household Fly-tipping service it was noted that a formal recruitment exercise had been undertaken and the successful candidate was also due to start imminently.  Members were reminded that a steering group for the service would be established to agree ‘hot spot’ areas to target.

Those present noted that the group emerging from the Homestart Home Visiting Service was still continuing to meet, led by two volunteers, and discussions were still ongoing to incorporate this into the work of Hope House Church.

An update was provided in relation to the procurement of a revised Clean and Green Service.  The service was currently out to tender, and an evaluation panel was to be convened on 30^th November, 2018, with a view to the successful bidder commencing the service from 1^st April, 2019.

The Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service had recently been out to tender, with the evaluation panel meeting on 9^th November, 2018.  A preferred contractor had been arrived at unanimously, and it was hoped that the service would commence in January, 2019.  Members queried whether the service would take a family centred approach and reassurances were given that it would.  Questions were also asked in relation to referrals from the midwifery service, and it was noted that the service was supportive, and had worked with the Area Council Manager to develop the proposal.

Members noted that the Environmental Enforcement Service was also out to tender, with a closing date of 19^th November, 2019.  Members acknowledged that this had been advertised as a combined tender with two other Area Councils, so as to be more attractive to potential contractors.  It was noted that this would be awarded as a single contract but would be managed as three separate lots, individual to each Area Council.  Members were reassured that the tender documentation stressed the need to focus on litter other than cigarette ends, and for flexible hours of patrolling.

In relation to the previously agreed Service Level Agreement with the Safer Neighbourhood Service to provide appropriate support to the organisation delivering the Environment Enforcement Service, it was noted that a further £5,000 was required per annum in order to lease a vehicle, which was unaccounted for in previous figures.

Members were reminded of the success of previous celebration and awards events hosted by Central Area Council, with a proposal that a similar event be held in early 2019.   A suggestion was made for £5,000 to be allocated to the organisation of an event for 2019.

Members went on to consider the potential devolving of Area Council Finance to the Ward Alliances for use in 2019/20, with current levels of finance considered.  In the ensuing discussion the impact of Ward Alliance Funds was noted, and a suggestion was made to allocate £10,000 per ward as in previous years.

The Area Council Manager provided an overview of the current financial situation and that projected to 2021/22, taking into account contracts which could be extended and devolving of finance to Ward Alliance Funds in 2019/20.  It was noted that in 2019/20 an underspend of around £115,000 was expected, but this could rise to around £135,000 when income from Fixed Penalty Notices was received.

The attention of Members was drawn to a proposal contained within the report to utilise projected underspend in the year 2019/20 by establishing a one off Wellbeing Fund for the Area Council.  This would build on the success of the Working Together Fund and the Youth Resilience Fund to deliver Central Area Council priorities.  It was also suggested that the fund would also help to build the capacity of small businesses, voluntary and community groups and social enterprises. 

It was noted that Public Health was also looking to provide finance to improve wellbeing and it was suggested that the fund be combined for more efficient distribution.  The Area Council Manager agreed to provide further information on the Public Health finance when this was available. It was expected that this would be allocated based on deprivation.  Members stressed the need for any fund to respond to the Area Council priorities.

Members discussed the merits of the proposed fund, noting that provision in the past had delivered a service across all Wards of the Area Council, and was often was tailored to individual wards. 

Concern was expressed about the impact being constrained when funds were only available for a year; however it was noted that two of the projects previously funded through the Youth Resilience Fund had been successful in gaining external funds and would continue to deliver in the area.  It was also suggested that considering the future sustainability of the project could be part of the grant process.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the overview of Central Area Council’s priorities, contracts, Service Level Agreements and associated timescales be noted;

(ii)          That the update in relation to the procurement of a Clean and Green Service; and Environmental Enforcement Service; and a Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service be noted;

(iii)         That £5,000 per annum for up to 3 years be approved for the cost of leasing a vehicle for use by the Environmental Enforcement Service to start from 1^st April, 2019;

(iv)         That £5,000 be approved for the development and implementation  of an awards and celebration event for Central Area Council in 2019;

(v)          That £10,000 per Ward be devolved to the Ward Alliance Funds, for 2019/20 at a total cost of £50,000, to be distributed through existing mechanisms, with any finance not expended by 31^st July, 2020 to be repaid to the Area Council;

(vi)         That the financial position for the Area Council in 2018/19 and projected position for future years be noted;

(vii)       That a task and finish group be established to develop a Central Area Council Wellbeing Fund to be delivered in 2019/20 with an indicative amount of £90,000 allocated from the Area Council.