Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item, which referred to quarter 3 performance in 2018/19.

Members noted part A of the report, which provided a cumulative update of performance from 1^st April, 2017 to 31^st December, 2018.

The main body of the report provided an update on performance of the four major contracts held by the Area Council. 

The performance against the contract with RVS was positive with all areas rated as ‘Green’.   Within the quarter there had been 134 new users of the service, with 24 of these being referred from the My Best Life social prescribing service. 

Members noted that the number of individuals in the 50-60 year group accessing the service continued to rise as organisations began to become aware of the increased age range.

13 new volunteers had been recruited and deployed, and Members noted the number of successful events held to celebrate Christmas.

It was noted that the steering group had not recently met and assurances were given that this would be remedied.  Members requested to be provided with details of which wards users lived in, and also the retention rate of volunteers.  A request was also made that venues in the Central Council Area be used for events wherever possible in future.

The performance of YMCA in delivering their contract was positive in all areas.  Within the quarter 33 additional young people had taken part., with a total of attendances during the quarter.  Members noted that the evaluation showed a 28% increase in general wellbeing following engagement with the service, with the figure being higher in youth provision than when compared to after school clubs.

Members discussed the age group accessing the service, and the rationale behind this focus. Also noted was the more intense nature of the project, working with young people to build resilience over a longer period.  It was noted that whether the focus was still appropriate would be discussed as part of the review of Area Council priorities.

The contract with Kingdom was discussed, with performance considered positive in all areas.  Within the quarter 156 fixed penalty notices had been issued, with 20 of these being for dog fouling.  Members noted the targeted work around Birk Avenue in Kendray and in the Dodworth Area to address the issue of dog fouling.

Those present discussed the impact of the contract, with high levels of litter and dog fouling still evident in many areas.  It was acknowledged that catching owners who did not pick up their dog fouling was difficult with many owners exercising their dogs in the early morning or late evening.  Members discussed the relatively small cost to the Area Council of the commission, and its deterrent effect.  The need for intelligence to inform patrols was noted, and Members felt that information on how to do so should be more readily available.  However also noted was the reticence of some residents to provide detailed information.

Members acknowledged that the new provider would start on 1^st April, 2019 with a focus on litter other than cigarette ends.

With regards to the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, it was noted that performance was positive in all areas.  Within the quarter 110 pieces of additional work had been undertaken, and 10 social action projects had been led by the team. 13 new adult and young volunteers had also been engaged.

Members praised the work of the team and the impact this had made within the area, working alongside volunteers.

With regards to the Service Level Agreements to provide a Targeted Household Flytipping Service, and a service to Support New Tenants in Private Rented Housing, provision had only recently commenced and therefore reports on performance would commence at the next Area Council meeting.

With reference to the contract with Family Lives, members noted that there had been delays in establishing the provision and therefore this would not report performance until July, 2019 following the first quarter of delivery.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.