Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item, reminding Members of the previous meeting where £1,414 had been approved in order to extend opening hours of the Wombwell Post Office.  It was noted that subsequently the Post Office had relocated on to Wombwell High Street, so this finance would not be required.

Thanks were given for the support provided which provided a vital lifeline for many.  Those present noted that a Post Office had been also now been reopened in Hoyland and in Darfield.

Discussion then turned to the Private Sector Housing Service Level Agreement. The service had been funded until September, 2021, with a recommendation to extend this for a further year.  Members noted the benefits of the service, and how it contributed to the Area Priorities.  The officer was based in the area and already had positive relationships with landlords and other services and agencies.  The proactive nature of the post was also seen as extremely positive.

Members discussed the potential implications of the lifting of current restrictions and noted that evictions could start to rise.  Questions were raised around the definition of ‘Vulnerable Households’ used by the officer, and it was agreed to circulate that used by all officers in the Safer Communities service.

Questions were raised around the low numbers of interventions in the Rockingham Ward. It was suggested that discussions could take place outside the meeting to consider the reasons behind this, and what could be done to improve performance.  It was noted that Members in other Wards undertook ‘Walkabouts’ with the officer and with officers from Berneslai Homes to highlight issues.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the update on the Wombwell Post Office monies of £1,414 previously allocated but no longer required, be noted, and that £1,414 be made available to reallocate to other priorities;

(ii)          That the Private Sector Housing SLA be extended for a further year until September 2022 at a cost of £33,528.

(iii)        That the definition of Vulnerable Households used by the Private Sector Housing Officer be circulated to Members;

(iv)        That Rockingham Members and relevant officers meet to discuss the low numbers of interventions from the Private Sector Housing Officer in the Ward, with a view to addressing this.