Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced this item, highlighting progress in regard to delivery of a number of projects aligned to the agreed outcomes and social value objectives of NEAC.

Members considered a summary performance management report for each service commissioned to provide services in the North East Area Council area together with individual case studies outlining the valuable work taking place which also contributed to these objectives. These included:  car parking enforcement at Robert Street, Carlton Street and Bank Street, Cudworth;  dog fouling enforcement at Shafton Green and High Street, Shafton; Barnsley in Bloom projects across the North East Area Council; Summer Holiday activities at Royston Pavilion and Older people meeting together to reduce loneliness in Great Houghton.

It was reported that £18,500 has been donated to the South Yorkshire Ambulance Service for defibrillators, with a request of match funding from Ward Alliances at £500 per defibrillator.  The North East Area Teamhas taken a lead on this project, and match funding has been agreed by the four Ward Alliances for 11 defibrillators to be installed at community locations across the North East Area Council.

Members were made aware of a Mental Health Awareness Training session which is available.  It is a half day course and is delivered free of charge, with a further opportunity to attend an advanced course.  Members were asked to consider attending the training alongside the Area Council Team.  

The social Isolation and dementia project has made a good start, with 34 people supported and 15 new referrals, signposted through Age UK Barnsley.  Activities to date have included afternoon teas and ‘holiday at home’ events.  The initiative is encouraging local community groups to link in with Care Homes with activities such as the History Groups making a memory scrapbook, and the Gardening groups bulb planting with the residents.  It was reported that 42 businesses and shops are now dementia friendly across the High Streets of the North East Area Council. 

The Private Sector Housing officer has been working on several anti-social behaviour issues, attending various community events, litter picks, discussing recycling, and making referrals on to other teams and organisations. 

District Enforcement continues to perform well, issuing 156 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN)s this quarter and 27 Notices for parking (with a further 57 drive off’s).  130 of the FPNs have been for littering offences and 26 for dog fouling offences, with cigarette litter accounting for 75% of the offences, which is well below the national average. This provides a valuable income stream for the Area Council.  It was also highlighted that residents levels of information reporting have increased.  Members were asked to let the Area Council Manager know of any further hot spot areas for litter. 

RESOLVED that the report be noted.