Agenda item

Members were reminded of the previous discussion about the Supporting Isolated and Older People Fund and it was noted that contracts would conclude in early 2020.  It was suggested that consideration ought to be given to the needs of the service users and what provision, if any, Members may wish to see following the conclusion of the current contracts.

With regards to the underspend from the 2018/19 financial year, Members noted that this was transferred to the Working Together Fund.  Since this was last discussed, South Pennine Community Transport had been funded and £14,596 remained.

Members noted that the Clean, Green and Tidy contract, currently held by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance was due to end in November, 2019.  A suggestion was made to apply for a waiver to contract procedure rules in order to extend the contract to the end of the financial year.  This would allow further time for evaluating the impact of the contract, and discussing potential changes to any future procurement, should this be agreed as a priority from 2020 onwards.

The current financial position of the Ward Alliance Fund was noted, and it was suggested that this be monitored throughout the year.

It was noted that plans were in place to feature in the August edition of Penistone Living, with space being purchased to highlight the work of the Area Council and Ward Alliance twice a year in the publication.

The Area Council Manager provided an overview of the current financial position of the Area Council and it was noted that if the proposal to extend the Clean, Green and Tidy service was agreed £107,495 would remain within the current financial year.

The Area Council Manager suggested that Members may wish to convene a workshop to discuss current finance available together with the agreed priorities areas, and consider which areas may merit further investment.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the update on procurement activity be noted;

(ii)          The progress of contracts funded through the Supporting Isolated and Older People Fund be noted;

(iii)         That the update on the Working Together Fund be noted;

(iv)         That the update on the Twiggs Clean and Tidy contract be noted, and that the Executive Director Communities be authorised to completed all necessary paperwork in order to support a waiver to contract procedure rules to extend the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance to 31^st March, 2020 at a cost of £32,670;

(v)          That the current financial position for 2019/20 be noted; and

(vi)         That a workshop be arranged for Members to consider future projects under the current priorities for Penistone Area Council.