Agenda item

The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager who made Members aware that the funding applied for from Self-Isolation Fund had been received, an amount of £39,424.

Members were reminded of previous discussions around the provision of information and advice services from Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Covid reliance funding had been matched with that from the Ward Alliance Funds in the area to provide a service in each ward of the Central Area. However, this service would end shortly.

It was noted that strategic discussions were taking place around the provision of information and advice, however the outcome was unlikely to result in any immediate changes. Therefore, based on successful performance to date, a recommendation was made to extend the service to the start of the financial year.

Attention was drawn to the two Service Level Agreements with the Community Safety Service to provide support to those in private rented sector housing, and to address issues around fly-tipping.  Members were reminded of the performance of both officers to date and it was recommended that both agreements be extended to the end of the financial year.

A question was raised about fly-tipping on private land, and it was noted that in certain cases the Council could intervene to clear this and recover any costs. This would be assessed on a case to case basis, taking account of the severity of the issues, and the length and cost of the legal process.

Questions were raised around how value for money of was measured, and how to ensure those most likely to benefit from commissioned services had access to the service.  It was suggested that this could be discussed in more detail either at a future meeting or a workshop.

Members received an overview of the current financial situation of the Area Council, noting that finance had been retained, but not used, for the Creative Recovery project, and also for the project to provide support for voluntary youth groups.  From a total anticipated budget of £781,878.27, which included finance carried forward, income from Fixed Penalty Notices, and grants successfully applied for, £554,875.55 had been committed for 2021/22.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           That the overview of Central area Council’s current priorities, all current contracts, contract extensions, Service Level Agreements and Well-being Fund projects, with associated timescales be noted;

(ii)          That the actual financial position to date for 2021-22 and the projected expenditure, including future proposals to 2023-23 in appendices 1 and 2 of the report, be noted;

(iii)        That the additional £39,424 received from the Self-Isolation Fund be noted; and

(iv)        That extensions to the following services be granted:

Citizen’s Advice Bureau – funding for 9 months to March, 2022 at a cost of £30,000;

Private Sector Housing Support for 5 months to 31^st March, 2022 at a cost of £13543;

Flytipping Support for 5 months to 31^st March, 2022 at a cost of £13,333;

(v)          That arrangement be made for Members to consider the value for money of Central Area Council commissions, projects, and service level agreements, with a view to maximising the impact of investment in the area.