Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the item providing an update on the work which had been undertaken to further develop the area priorities.

With regards to Loneliness and Social Isolation, Members were reminded that the current contract was due to end on 31^st March, 2020.  A workshop had been convened to discuss the priority in more depth on 10^th October, 2019.  The workshop noted the lack of data and also a lack of information about new recently launched borough wide services.  It was suggested that more in depth information was required to ensure any future service was fit for purpose and addressed appropriate gaps in service.  This would necessarily mean a gap in service between that provided by RVS and any new service.

Members discussed the suggestion, supporting the notion that any future service needed to be correctly organised and targeted.  Assurances were given to Members that the support currently given to residents through the RVS contract would be carefully managed to ensure that an onward strategy was in place should this be required.

Members heard how the procurement of a service to ‘build emotional resilience in children and young people aged 8-14’ was progressing as per the time table with the closing date for tenders on 15^th November, and the evaluation panel being convened 21^st November.  The preferred supplier would be made known before Christmas, with a view to delivery commencing on 1^st April, 2020.

Those present noted the current financial situation, with £153,707 remaining for allocation in 2019/20, which when carried forward would leave £275,417 for allocation in 2020/21.  However it was noted that this would be significantly reduced if Members chose to commission a service to reduce social isolation in older people and also chose to invest in a service to assist young people aged over 14.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the overview of current Central Area Council priorities and the progress made regarding the development of the agreed prioriites from 1^st April, 2020 be noted;

(ii)          that the contract with RVS to address Loneliness and Social Isolation in adults comes to an end on 31^st March, 2020;

(iii)         that the Area Council Manager undertakes more in depth research in relation to the Loneliness and Social Isolation priority and that the working group is reconvened to discuss this in more detail, feeding back to the Area Council in due course;

(iv)         That the overview of all current contracts and SLAs be noted;

(v)          That the update in relation to the procurement of a service to ‘build emotional resilience and wellbeing of children and young people ages 8-14 years living in the Central Council area’ be noted;

(vi)         That the current financial position and that projected from 2020/21 to 2022/23 be noted.