Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item making Members aware that the cumulative performance in Part A of the report only included figures supplied to the end of June as further performance had not been verified at the point of producing the report.

Members then considered Part B of the report, with a narrative providing an overview of the performance of each of the services funded by the Area Council.  Members heard how a number of areas of performance of the contract held by RVS were rated as ‘amber’.  This was due to the numbers of referrals being below those agreed; however in all other aspects performance was positive.

The service delivered by YMCA continued to perform well, with 91 sessions delivered within the quarter and 70 new children and young people engaged. Members heard of the importance of maintaining the same locations with the same adult support staff in order to reduce barriers for vulnerable young people engaging.

Members noted the statistics of participants, showing the wide range of backgrounds, and languages spoken.

The Environmental Enforcement service continued to perform well with 180 fixed penalty notices issued within the quarter, 16 of these being for dog fouling which was higher than seen in the previous contract. It was noted that 76% of notices issued were due to people dropping cigarette litter, which was significantly below the national average.   Members were made aware that those receiving a fixed penalty notice could now pay this at the post office or facility with payzone.  A question was raised about whether paying in this way would still allow to pay in instalments, and it was agreed to confirm whether this was the case.

Members considered the performance of Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, which was rated as ‘green’ for every aspect.  There had been 25 social action events led by Twiggs and 92 adults had engaged, 23 of these being new adult volunteers. In addition 31 young people also volunteered.  Members praised the work of Twiggs and their continued dedication in the area.

With regards to the Service Level Agreement focusing on reducing household flytipping, it was noted that the officer had personally reported 181 incidents, with 45 leading to further investigation.   Since the start of the SLA 179 warning letters had been issued in addition to almost 200 duty of care letters. Members heard of the recurrent issues seen and noted that these were due to be discussed by the Area Council’s fly-tipping group. 

Members asked whether the officer employed worked with Berneslai Homes, and it was noted that where issues were found in their properties, they would be referred appropriately but the focus of the SLA would remain on housing in the private sector.

The meeting went on to consider the performance of the SLA to support new tenants in the private rented sector. 38 properties had been visited with 24 requiring a follow up.  A range of issues had been identified including with bins, outstanding repairs, bonds and money management. Members praised the case study enclosed as part of the report, which showed the complexity of issues faced and the impact of the intervention.

Members considered the performance of the contract held by Family Lives, noting that a number of areas were rated as ‘amber’.  This was due to the low numbers of referrals, from a target of 15, just 3 had been received.   The Area Council Manager had recently met with relevant officers, and was assured that referrals would come in time, and the service was only in its infancy.  Members requested details of the training volunteers were receiving to provide appropriate support.

Those present went on to consider the progress being made by all the projects funded through the Wellbeing Fund.

All were generally progressing well, but Creative Recovery had been slow to become established in Stairfoot, though provision in Kingstone had been progressing well. 

DIAL had delivered 55 advice sessions, with 251 individuals accessing the service.  £53,000 of benefits had been gained, and the social return on investment was considerable.  Members noted the impact of the service, and the potential to consider a similar service when the 12 month funding period came to a close.  Members noted that the service was only provided in four wards, as it was thought that Central Ward was served by services in the Town Centre.  This was questioned, and it was agreed to make enquiries to ensure that this was still the case.

Education Learning Support Hub continued to deliver effectively, engaging with 38 different adults over the summer. Training featured a session by the Be Cancer Safe Health Care team, and there had also been outings to the library@thelightbox and to meet the Mayor at Barnsley Town Hall.

Exodus had engaged 21 volunteers and 146 different young people during 50 sessions held. Bank End club was very well attended and numbers attending the town centre club had increased.

Attendances at Hope House Connects had also increased, with 26 families attending 3 or more of the 28 sessions delivered.

Members noted that The Youth Association delivery in Kendray with 23 youth work sessions, and 289 attendance from 142 individuals.  Acknowleged was the publicity seen on Twitter and the innovation used in sessions.

It was noted that the performance report from TADS (Therapies for anxiety, depression and stress), was still outstanding.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the report be noted;

(ii)          That confirmation be sought as to whether fixed penalty notices can be paid by instalment at post offices or facilities offering paypoint;

(iii)         That details of the training provided by Family Lives be circulated to Members;

(iv)         That details of the provision of debt and benefit advice in the Town Centre be sought.