Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the report, reminding Members that many of the contracts had flexed their delivery in response to the pandemic.

In relation to the contract held by YMCA, the new service had commenced in April and had been undertaking weekly sessions in each Ward, doing detached and street-based youth work.  In addition, contact had been maintained with young people through email and other electronic means.

Previously the service had worked closely with schools, but schools were obviously cautious about external services coming on to their premises.

The service had seen a significant increase in traffic on their website, which indicated the level of demand.  Support for young people lacking in self-esteem and confidence continued, however it was noted that face-to-face work may be curtailed due to recent restrictions.

Members requested further details in relation to numbers engaged, and it was agreed to include these in future reports.

In relation to the contract to provide environmental enforcement services, Members heard that 163 notices had been issued, with 153 of these for littering, and 10 for dog fouling.  This had resulted in £6,910 of income generated.

Due to the current situation it had not be possible for young people who had been issued notices to undertake litter picks in lieu of the fine, and therefore they had been rescinded. 

Members noted that the officers had also been providing signage in areas, which had seen a corresponding reduction in issues.   Those present went on to discuss the proposed Public Space Protection Order in relation to dog fouling. This could raise the fine for dog fouling from £50 to £100 and could make not carrying dog fouling bags an offence.

Where possible, Members asked for further details of offences in their Ward to be provided, and of the streets patrolled.

In relation to the contract held by Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, Members heard how the team had acted promptly on all intelligence provided, with positive feedback received.  95 provider led social action interventions had been delivered, together and 10 events/actions supported.  In addition, two new groups had been supported and one existing group.

Members heard how that 404 incidences of fly-tipping had been reporting in July and August through the SLA to address Targeted Household Fly-tipping. It was noted that figures were lower than the previous year, perhaps impacted by Covid-19, but were still significant.  Work continued in targeted areas, making contact with landlords and tenants, and providing information in a number of languages. Support was provided in order to avoid issues escalating.  Members praised the continued hard work in this area.

In relation to the SLA to support new tenants in private rented accommodation, the impact of the pandemic in making contact with tenants was noted.  However, 24 new tenants had been supported within the quarter, with much of the contact via email and telephone.  Of the 24, all required some form of intervention, with 14 properties subsequently improved and 10 cases still open.  16 informal requests had also been issued, providing advice and warning of potential consequences should improvements not be made.

Members heard that some of the performance indicators for the contract held by Family Lives were rated as amber, with figures seen significantly lower than the targets set.  The Area Managers had worked with the service and partners to address issues in order to stimulate referrals.  Issues such as eligibility based on geography had been identified, and it was hoped increased awareness of who could access the service would help encourage further referrals. Where clients were not eligible, conversation were taking place with other Area Council Managers regarding how they could be supported.

It was noted that conversations were also being held with officers in Public Health and elsewhere to assist in increasing the numbers of referrals.

Notwithstanding the low number of referrals, the positive impact the service had on those engaging was noted.  It was suggested that a future meeting of the Area Council could consider the service in more detail including the referral process.

Those present went on to consider projects funded through the Wellbeing Fund.

Creative Recovery had been particularly active during the half-term holidays, reaching out to those socially isolated.  The doorstep activities, working with a musician and closely with Bernelsai Homes, were noted.  Though engagement was difficult due to Covid-19 the impact this had was acknowleged.

DIAL had supported 944 residents since June, 2019 with 596 volunteer hours provided. Members noted the case studies and the impact the service had on the lives of clients.  Overall £938,508 of unclaimed benefit had been generated since the start of June, 2019.

Hope House Connects had focused on the mental health of children, supporting families and assisting them to support each other.  Adapting delivery, Facebook rooms had been used to engage families, using resources provided through home visits.  Some socially distanced face-to-face engagement had also taken place in Locke Park.

Noted was the planning work undertaken to reopen the facility, but it was acknowledged that this may need to be postponed.

Updates were then provided on Youth Work Fund Projects.  Members heard how TADS had provided an end of project report, noting that this had been delayed due to staff being furloughed.  The project had not been able to provide face to face support, but some had been provided online. Concerns were raised as to whether appropriate delivery had been provided in light of the funding allocated. The Area Council Manager agreed to discuss provision and how this could meet area priorities with officers when new staff were in place.

The Youth Association continued to engage young people through its intensive summer programme which included team building, arts and crafts, and sports.  32 youth work sessions had been delivered to 84 individuals. 

Promoting social action, young people had been supported to develop their own activities such as clean-ups and litter picks.  A street-based curriculum had also been delivered covering issues such as drug awareness, communication skills, and conflict management.

Members praised the work of the Youth Association, but questions were raised about the provision across the Wards, and it was suggested that figures could be provided on this in future reports.

In relation to the project delivered by the YMCA in Dodworth, with young males more regularly engaged.  The project had delivered sport and field activities, but also covered issues such as social responsibilities during the pandemic and mental health.

Finally an update was provided in relation to the service to support older and vulnerable people with no support network, provided by Age UK Barnsley.  All targets had been met or exceeded. Members noted that the service focused on the most vulnerable and 56 residents had been supported, including by providing interactive home based activities.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the report be noted;

(ii)          That figures in relation to young people engaged by The Youth Association and the YMCA are provided;

(iii)        That a breakdown of fixed penalty notices issues, and areas patrolled by enforcement officers be provided; and

(iv)        The Area Manager discusses TADS provision with relevant officers.