Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item by presenting an overview of the current priorities of the Area Council.  It was suggested that a review of the priorities was timely in order to ensure the Area Council budget was used effectively.  It was suggested that a task and finish group be convened to undertake the exercise, with a representative from each ward attending.  A suggestion was made to consider how the priorities supported the Town Spirit campaign, which was endorsed by Members.  A report of the outcome of the group would be considered at the Area Council in March, 2019.

Members were reminded of the contract currently held by YMCA, which was in the second year of operation.  It was acknowledged that the original procurement allowed for one further period of extension of 12 months, which required approval by the Area Council.  This was supported by Members.

Those present heard how recruitment had taken place for the officer to deliver the service to support new tenants in the private rented sector, with the officer starting on 19^th November, 2018.  The officer was currently undertaking their induction programme, and had also familiarised themselves with the area, including hotspots.  A number of meetings with landlords and letting agents had also taken place.

An update was provided in relation to the service to address household flytipping in the Central Area.  An officer had been recruited and had taken up post on 19^th November, 2018.  They had undergone an induction and delivery had started in earnest.  Members noted that a steering group meeting had identified a number of hotspots, which were currently in the process of being cross referenced with the Safer Neighbourhood Service.

Preliminary feedback was positive about the proactive and reactive work undertaken so far.

In relation to the procurement of a further Clean and Green Service, only one provider had tendered to deliver the service.  However, a tender panel had fully evaluated the return, scoring the submission highly. Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had been awarded the contract. A contract inception meeting had been arranged to take place in late January, 2019, with the contract starting in March, 2019.

The procurement of a Peri-Natal Emotional Wellbeing Home Visiting Service, had been successful, with four organisations providing a submission.  Family Lives was the successful organisation and the contract had commenced  1^st January, 2019, with interviews for posts taking place in early February.  Members heard that the organisation is a national charity with 30 years of experience in the field.

Members discussed how residents may access the service, and it was noted that many referrals would come from the midwifery service, but there would opportunities for self-referral.  Part of the mobilisation of the contract included widespread promotion of the service.

In relation to the contract to procure an Environmental Enforcement Service, Members heard how four organisations had tendered, with District Enforcement scoring highest.  Members noted that there would be a period where Kingdom Security, BMBC Enforcement and District Enforcement all worked in the Central Area, including the Town Centre, and meetings had been arranged to ensure that responsibilities were clear.  The ability of the public to identify officers was also felt to be important.

Members noted that TUPE applied to staff employed under the existing Environmental Enforcement Contract, and it was agreed that careful management was required to ensure that any issues raised in regards to the current contract were address as part of the new contract.

The attention of Members was drawn to the financial overview provided in the appendices to the report.  For 2019/20 and indicative balance of around £24,000 remained, with around £260,000 for 2020/21.

Members noted the impact of inflation on the delivery against Central Area Priorities, and it was acknowledged that this was being considered by Area Chairs’ meetings.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           that the overview of the current priorities of Central Area Council be noted, and the process outlined in the report for reviewing these be adopted;

(ii)          that the overview of all Central Area Council’s current contracts, contract extensions and Service Level Agreements be noted:

(iii)         that the continuation of the service to build emotional resilience and wellbeing in children and young people aged 8-14 years be approved for a further period of one year (1^st April 2019-31^st March 2020) at a cost of £130,000;

(iv)        that the updates regarding the outcome of recent exercises to procure a Clean and Green Service; Peri-natal Emotional Wellbeing Volunteer Home Visiting Service; and Environmental Enforcement Service be noted;

(v)          that the financial position of the Area Council for 2018/19 and the projected future expenditure be noted.