Agenda item

The Area Council Manager reminded Members of the history behind the services funded to help reduce loneliness and isolation for older people.  A full review had been undertaken, this highlighted outcomes delivered and provided an indication of challenges expected over the forthcoming 12 months. 

In order to respond to these challenges, it was recommended that £70,000 be allocated to the Supporting Vulnerable and Isolated Older People’s Grant Fund and that further applications be encouraged.  It was proposed that this would be allocated through previously agreed mechanisms associated with the fund, with awards expected to be approved by mid December, 2020.

Members noted the history of the Working Together Fund, which was established in 2015 and had received several allocations from the Area Council budget.  £61,030 had been carried forward in to the current financial year.  One application had been received and if approved would leave £51,912 to allocate.   Members were reminded of previous discussions, where there was a desire to fund activities to support young people.  Unfortunately  it had been unable to progress this due to the pandemic.

It was suggested that applications to the Working Together Fund be invited from groups to help with Covid-19 recovery, with a closing date of 27^th November.

In addition, it was also suggested that a further £40,000 be allocated to the Working Together Fund specifically ringfenced to support young people in the Covid-19 recovery process.  This would be advertised, again with a closing date of 27^th November for applications.

Members noted the current situation in relation to the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, with performance being satisfactory.

Those present considered the financial position of the Ward Alliance Fund.  It was noted that the figure remaining for allocation, had increased since papers were published due to the fund being reimbursed from a central budget to support Covid-19 recovery.  £27,657 therefore remained for allocation.

Members were reminded of previous discussions that highlighted the need to review the Area Priorities in light of the pandemic.  A review had been undertaken which recommended that the current priorities remained, but that flexibility ought to be applied where applicable.

The previous meeting had discussed the possibility of highlighting the work of the Area Council, the Ward Alliance, and the support available to residents via coverage in Penistone Living.  This was supported and an allocation made available for coverage in future editions.  

Members supported information being provided in printed media, as many residents were not online.   It was suggested that the work of volunteers could be featured, recognising their hard work and dedication.  Members discussed the awards event held in 2019 and it was suggested that consideration could be given to holding something virtually in 2020.

Members also discussed whether a loyalty voucher scheme could be explored in Penistone Living. It was noted that plans were in place to trial similar in Barnsley Town Centre with a view to replicating this in Penistone if successful.

Members were made aware of the current financial position of the Area Council.  Subject to recommendations being agreed, £50,225 remained for allocation in the current financial year.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the update on all contracts funded by the existing Supporting Vulnerable and Isolated Older People Grant Fund be noted;

(ii)          That £70,000 be allocated to the Supporting Vulnerable and Isolated Older People Grant Fund to be allocated using mechanisms previously agreed, and that the Executive Director Community be authorised to approve grants following recommendations from the grant fund panel to address the impacts of Covid-19 on vulnerable and isolated older people in the Penistone Area;

(iii)        That the financial position of the Working Together Fund be noted and that the fund be promoted widely to support with community recovery in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic;

(iv)        That £40,000 be allocated to the Working Together Fund ringfenced to establish specific activities to support young people in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic;

(v)          That the update on the new Clean and Tidy contact be noted;

(vi)        That the current position of the Ward Alliance Fund be noted;

(vii)       That the current priorities for the Area Council be maintained in light of the recent review;

(viii)     That £3,000 be allocated to support communication of Area Council updates through purchasing space in the Penistone Living Magazine;

(ix)        That the current financial position be noted.