Agenda item

The Area Council Manager reminded Members that the report covered the period October to December, 2019.  Whilst performance was generally positive, two of the contracts and two of the projects funded by the Wellbeing Fund had a number of ‘Amber’ ratings.

Members noted the cumulative impact of Central Area interventions since April 2017, and the Area Council Manager gave more in depth information about each of the areas of investment.

In relation to the service delivered by Royal Voluntary Service there were a number of areas rated as ‘Amber’. The number of referrals was 40 against a target of 75.  Members were reminded that the project would cease at the end of March 2020, but that careful consideration was being given to the support required by each client and referrals were being made as necessary.

The contract with YMCA continued to be delivered effectively.   116 Sessions had been delivered with 70 new young people participating.   During the period there had been 1,417 attendances. 

Members heard that 148 Fixed Penalty Notices had been issues within the quarter by District Enforcement.  It was noted that this represented a slight decrease on previous quarters, as a light touch approach had been taken over the Christmas period.  A number of areas had been targeted as a result of intelligence submitted, resulting in 28 of the notices being issued for dog fouling. 

Members questioned the visibility of officers, acknowledging that a visible presence was a deterrent.  It was noted that the contract only provided the equivalent of 1.5 full time officers, and that this was shared over 5 wards. The Area Council Manager responded by saying that they would discuss the possibility of providing ‘heat maps’ showing where officers had been patrolling with District Enforcement.  Members also discussed the deterrent effect for children, with them being able to undertake a litter pick in lieu of the payment of a fine.  It was suggested that this may act as a greater deterrent for adults than a fine.

Members considered the performance against the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance.  15 social action interventions had been led by Twiggs, 42 adult volunteers engaged, and 68 pieces of added value work undertaken.  Members gave thanks for the positive work undertaken.

Performance against the Service Level Agreement to support the reduction in the flytipping of household waste had been positive, with 220 incidents reported, 81 of which were going forward for further investigation by the officer in question.  Noted was the work undertaken informally, with conversations taking place with residents in areas where hoarding or neglect was seen.

Members praised the work of the officer, and it was suggested that it may be useful for them to go on Berneslai Homes Walkabouts with Members and officers where there were issues with homes in both public and private ownership.

Members heard how the officer responsible for supporting new tenants in the private rented sector had made direct contact with 42 households.  21 had been supported with issues related to waste and 17 required informal engagement with the landlord.  The case studies provided served to highlight the issues being addressed and it was acknowledged that the majority of issues were resolved informally.

Those present went on to consider the performance of the service being delivered by Family Lives. In the quarter 22 referrals had been received, compared to a target of 45.  Since then a further 11 referrals had been received.  It was acknowledged that efforts had been made to further promote the service through such as social media groups.  However, the impact on those accessing the service had been considerable, and the numbers of volunteers engaged was also positive.

Members questioned what further could be done to stimulate referrals; including ensuring relevant health professionals were aware of the scheme.  Members also acknowledged proposals for a ‘Community Parent’ scheme within the Council’s budget.  Noting Central Area Council’s innovative work, it was agreed that the service would need to be reconsidered when any core service was established.

The Area Council Manager then gave an overview of the projects funded through the Wellbeing Fund.

The results for DIAL were acknowledged with the service being well used by residents throughout the area.  It was noted that figures for Kingstone were lower than elsewhere, but this was as a result of a later start.

ELSH continued to deliver 5 sessions per week. 34 new adults had been engaged, with many of these from ethnic minorities, including economic migrants and asylum seekers.

Exodus had delivered 53 sessions within the quarter, with five very active clubs being maintained.

Members were reminded of the previous presentation on Hope House Connects, with 7 new families engaged over a sustained period.   Members noted the human impact of the service as highlighted in the case studies.

TADS continued to deliver one-to-one services at primary schools and also provide drop-in sessions, but had underachieved against targets set for young people receiving support.  It was noted that the time spent supporting young people was more than predicted, as young people accessing the service had more serious issues than first envisaged.  Questions were raised around the referral mechanisms, with some inappropriate referrals for young people requiring more intensive support, and this would be further considered.

Street Smart continued to undertake innovative street based work in Kendray, and Members heard that a dance group had been formed, with a performance scheduled at the Central Area Council Celebration event.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.