Agenda item

The Area Council Manager spoke to the item and reflected on the detailed information related to the Tidy Team contained within the report. A suggestion was made that this could be made more concise in the future.

Within the quarter Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had met all but one target, which related to the establishment of a steering group.   The team had one apprentice in post with a second starting later in the year.  Members heard of the positive work experience placement that had recently taken place.

Concerns were raised about the coordination of blitz teams, the Tidy Team and of volunteer who concentrated on clean and green activities. Issues around the collection of purple waste bags were also raised.  It was suggested that the steering group could assist with this.  Concern was also raised about the branding of the service, with many residents unaware that the service was funded by the Council.  It was noted that branding guidance had been developed to address this.

The meeting discussed the prevailing issue of weeds and the careful consideration required of a variety of factors when using weedkiller.

Members requested a briefing to understand the parameters of the new Tidy Team contract, and it was agreed that this be organised prior to convening the steering group.

Members’ attention was then drawn to the contract held by Age UK which provided befriending and one-to-one support.  The service acknowledged that flexibility in provision was required, especially over winter, and that the service would future proof provision to enable benefits to be retained after the end of the contract.  The benefits of the knowledge around supporting organisations and businesses to be Dementia Friendly was also noted.

Positive comments were received around the robustness of the procurement process to ensure that the best possible provider was secured, and money was well spent.

Discussion turned to provision for those socially excluded under age 50, and it was agreed that the Area Council Manager would develop options to address this issue, which would then be presented to a future meeting of the Area Council.

In relation to District Enforcement, it was noted that there had been some changes to equipment and software used by the Council which had a number of impacts including the ability to issue Fixed Penalty Notices.  However, this had now been resolved.  Patrolling hours had been maintained, with a focus on areas where dog fouling was prevalent.

It was noted that parking issues were still evident in Wombwell, and that this was expected to increase when schooling resumed.

Members heard that the service was due to cease at the end of March 2022, and a session would be organised to discuss the ongoing need to a similar service in due course.

Citizen’s Advice Bureau had been successful in gaining the contract to provide information and advice, and it was noted that the impact of having to provide provision from a distance had strengthened the offer to include online and over the phone.  Demand appeared to have increased, but it was uncertain whether this was merely due to better access through the increased offer.  60 new clients had accessed the service within the quarter together with 55 repeat clients.

Members questioned how proactive the service was in promoting the availability of benefits such as Pension Credit or Warm Homes Discount scheme, and the difficulty in being proactive but managing demand was acknowledged.  Those present heard that there had been some proactive work with various officers in the community, raising awareness in order to refer suitable clients.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           that the report be noted;

(ii)          that a briefing be arranged to make Members aware of the detail of the Tidy Team contract;

(iii)        that efforts be made to establish the Tidy Team steering group;

(iv)        that a future meeting of the Area Council discusses potential Environmental Enforcement provision post March, 2022.