Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager who made Members aware that the report format had been updated slightly to reflect the targets included in a number of new contracts. Feedback on the revisions was invited from Members.

Those present were made aware that the performance of the Tidy Team contract had been rated as ‘red’; this was due to the difficulties in recruiting apprentices.  It was noted that more recently there had been more success with two apprentices now recruited, which would result in the rating likely to be ‘green’ in the next quarter.

Age UK Barnsley had successfully completed their first quarter of delivery, and although there had been staff changes, this had not result negatively on performance.  114 individuals had been engaged, with 24 one-to-one interventions, with some individuals having complex needs.

With regards to volunteer car journeys, 2 volunteers had been engaged, but consideration was being given to whether there was the ability to scale up this activity in the area.  Age UK colleagues felt that transport did impact on isolation, and evidence of this had been requested.

Figures of fixed penalty notices issued by District Enforcement were still as high as in the previous quarter, despite warnings being issued for parking on the approach to Christmas, with tickets only being issued for dangerous parking or those unwilling to move their cars.  It was noted that District Enforcement had been successful in issuing high numbers of notices for dog fouling elsewhere in Barnsley.  Members discussed the current focus of the commission on parking in the town centres of Hoyland and Wombwell.  It was noted that decisions about the extension of the project would be required shortly, and this may be an opportune time to consider any changes to the contract.  It was acknowledged that extra resource to cover additional geographical areas or include dog fouling may incur an additional cost. 

In addition Members noted that some support could be available through Public Health to improve air quality around schools, and this could this could be part of a package of support to reduce issues around schools, which included parking.

RESOLVED:-

(i)            That the report be noted;

(ii)          That a future meeting of the Area Council considers the issues of environmental enforcement and car parking around schools, together with possible solutions.