Minutes:
Members were reminded of the five strategic priorities and were asked to consider whether the priorities of the Area Council aligned and whether services could continue, perhaps amended. In addition, Members were asked to highlight what might not align and may need to cease, or where there may be gaps that would require addressing.
Questions were raised about the amount of finance available, the task involved, and whether it was feasible to address such issues at an area level. In response it was acknowledged that the Area Councils played a significant role in the response to the pandemic but that this was just one part of the response made by the whole of the Council. In addition, it was noted that the Council was not unique in its financial situation due to Covid-19 and alongside other Councils, representations were being made to Government.
The important role of Area Councils, with their intelligence at a local level and the ability to respond to their communities was acknowledged, meaning that Barnsley was better placed than some other areas in this respect.
Questions were raised about home working, and whether offices would be rationalised in order to reduce overall costs to the Council. It was noted that this was an area being considered. However, there were wider implications such as the loss of interaction and potential isolation to consider.
In relation to the cessation of non-essential spend, it was acknowledged that ‘essential’ could be subjective, and Members were encouraged to consider all expenditure in relation to the five strategic priorities.
A number of Members suggested that both the priorities and current financial commitments of the Area Council remained relevant and contributed to the overall strategic objectives. Suggestions were made to extend both Service Level Agreements.
Areas such as supporting businesses, and issues with access to food
were highlighted as possible gaps, however it was suggested that
the former may be being addressed through such as Enterprising
Barnsley and the latter better considered by Ward Alliances.
Holiday hunger programmes had been supported by a number of Ward
Alliances, but consideration had to be given to whether similar
could be undertaken at the current time.
The hard work of voluntary and community groups was noted and the need to ensure they were supported. Members noted that questionnaires were being sent to groups to understand the issues faced in order to consider how best to support these.
The need to support volunteers who had been unable to engage due to issues such as shielding, and also to encourage those who had decided to volunteer during the pandemic to continue was noted. Members heard how the volunteer coordinators network was considering how best to support clients as the borough moved from response to recovery.
Members commented on the increase in litter linked to the reopening of shops and takeaways, and the rise in dog fouling. The need to ensure District Enforcement recommence issuing Fixed Penalty Notices as soon as it is safe to do so was stressed.
Questions were raised about the devolving of Area Council finance to Ward Alliances, and it was noted that a decision had yet to be taken on this, but the Area Council could consider this at a future meeting.
With regards to the work to consider supporting voluntary youth provision, it was suggested that this could not be undertaken online and therefore may have to be postponed.
Members discussed how Ward Alliance Fund applications would be approved, given that Ward Alliances had ceased to meet. It was noted that processes were in place to consider applications without the need for a meeting, however ways to re-establish Ward Alliance meetings were being considered.
In order for further discussions to take place in advance of the next meeting of the Area Council it was suggested that a number of workshops be convened, with representation from each ward. The outcome of discussions would then feed into a future meeting of the Area Council.
RECOMMENDED:-
(i) That a workshop be convened to consider the priorities of the Area Council and its contribution to the strategic priorities of the Council;
(ii) That a workshop be convened to consider the research and other available intelligence in relation to social isolation in the Central Area.