Agenda item

The Area Council Manager delivered a presentation providing an overview of performance, which included that of contracted services.

Members were reminded of the current priorities, and the services funded by the Area Council, including the associated contract or grant timescales.

An overview of performance was provided, and it was noted that 10 businesses had been involved in clean and tidy activities during the year with two within previous quarter.  Members noted that a number of performance measures, such as young people engaged in volunteers, were no longer being reported on due to the pandemic. 

Community groups had continued to be supported by Age UK Barnsley and Twiggs Grounds Maintenance with 15 receiving support in the previous quarter.  Members heard how 23 volunteers had been engaged throughout the quarter, including three who had newly volunteered, and that the community car scheme was now operation for essential journeys, with four being undertaken.

155 people had received advice and support within the quarter, contributing to a total of 570 throughout the year.  Within the quarter three full time jobs had been created, and over 95% of expenditure was local.

With regards to the service provided by Age UK Barnsley, Members heard that there had been 148 service user contacts to provider support.  17 new referrals had also been received.  The service had 18 active volunteers, with 5 additional micro volunteers, and they had been involved in delivering a range of activities at home, Christmas Day dinners, winter warmth packs and much more.

The service had provided information and advice to 15 new service users, with a total estimated benefit gain of over £14,000 for the quarter.  102 home based activities had been provided, and a new ‘Walk for Health’ group had been established, though it was noted that this would be paused during lockdown.  Other groups had been supported to keep participants connected in different ways through activities at home.

Members heard of links being forged with the National Trust at Wentworth Castle and with Dial A Ride for service users to make use of the castle gardens. Also noted were efforts to establish more walking groups.  The service also hoped to re-establish the pen pals project when schools reopened.

The SOPPA network had continued to meet virtually to share information and it was noted that age friendly work would be revisited at the earliest opportunity.

Despite the restrictions Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had continued to operate effectively with 11 groups and parishes supported during the quarter.  The service had worked with two business and supported 24 individual projects.  In the 15 litter picks conducted, 52 bags of litter had been collected.  Members noted the new Team Leader in post and the recruitment of a new apprentice was progressing.  The Tool Bank, funded by the Ward Alliance was now operational, but uptake had been slow.

Members heard that DIAL had moved to providing support via the telephone and online. During the quarter 110 residents had received support, which was slightly lower that in the previous quarter.  Members heard that the project had supported residents to claim an additional £369,021 in benefits.   Members noted that the most common query was in relation to attendance allowance, and that for every £1 the Area Council invested £76 had been brought into the area.

An update was provided with regards to the first quarter of the new contract with Citizen’s Advice Bureau. 30 clients had been seen during the quarter, with a growing trend for support with relationship and family issues. 40% of those supported had indicated they had a disability or long-term health condition. Clients had been assisted in claiming an additional £8,025 of benefits within the quarter and the service had assisted the management of £12,427 of debt.  Though the service had been provided via the adviceline and through email, work to launch a video service was underway.  Members noted that this was being supported through BMBC decommissioned laptops.

An update was then provided with regards to the work of the Area Team.  It was noted that links had been maintained with community groups in the area, with support provided including in relation to safe operating practices and assistance to apply for lost income.

‘Heathy Holidays’ had been piloted with Springvale Primary school during the Christmas Holidays with fruit and veg vouchers supported by Penistone Fruit and Veg. The Children and Family Service also supported cooking at home and other activities.

Work continued with the Targeted Youth Support Service and partners to investigate what support is required for young people with a view to this being funded through the Working Together Fund.

Support had also been provided to residents to those Clinically Extremely Vulnerable through the Community Responder Service.  Members noted that the team had supported the delivery of Winter Warmth packs, the further development of the Principal Towns Initiative, and had worked closely with Public Health and the Neighbourhood Engagement Officer.

Noted was the recruitment of a Project Officer within the Area Team, which was a shared resource with the Dearne Area. 

Members discussed the issues with fly-tipping, litter and dog-fouling in the area.  It was acknowledged that there were no easy solutions to any of the issues. Careful consideration would be given to providing covert cameras in fly-tipping hotspots, and to increasing signage and providing free dog waste bags to help reduce dog fouling.

Praise was given to the services providing information and advice in the area, and also those supporting those requiring assistance throughout the pandemic.

RESOLVED:- that the report be received.