Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item which covered quarter 2 of 2021/22.  Thanks were given to Katie Ashworth who had helped to produce the report.  It was noted that, in places, the report referred to contract management meetings that had taken place in quarter 1, however assurances were given that meetings had also taken place with regards to quarter 2.

Members noted the overall snapshot of performance that reflected the impact of Central Area Council investment.

In relation to the YMCA unity project, 64 term time sessions had been delivered, with 32 holiday sessions provided in addition. In total there had been 1,176 attendees to the sessions.

Under the environmental priority the Clean and Green service had engaged  51 new volunteers, contributing to a total number of 165 volunteers.  5 businesses had been supported in the quarter, and there had been 15 interventions with groups.  Members noted that Twiggs Grounds Maintenance had made links with the NHS and individuals were being referred as part of social prescribing.

District Enforcement had continued to patrol, responding to complaints about dog fouling. 18 Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued for this within the quarter. However, it was noted that addressing dog fouling did become more difficult as days became darker.  Members were encouraged to continue to report issues, including key times and locations.

Both Service Level Agreements with the Safer Neighbourhood Service continued to perform well.  Figures in relation to flytipping were high with 346 cases being dealt within the quarter, and 12 written warnings issued.  However, it was felt positive that issues were being reported in order to be dealt with.

30 new tenant households had been supported by the Private Sector Housing officer with 18 households requiring intervention within the quarter.  It was acknowledged that this was lower than previous quarters, however this reflected the complexity of cases and the degree of support required.

Following changes made to widen the scope of the contract, Family Lives had seen an increase in referrals, with 10 being received in the quarter.  It was noted that families accessing the service did have multiple and complex issues and therefore required longer term support than originally envisaged.

The DIAL Advice Service continued to deliver effectively with 436 residents supported across the Central Area. £36,492 of unclaimed benefit had been generated in the quarter, with 436 residents receiving support from the service.

Members noted that Hope Connects was in their third year of finance, and  support was being provided by the area team to apply for community fund finance in order to extend the service and provide sustainability.

In the quarter, Citizen’s Advice Bureau had supported 327 clients to claim an additional £66,587 in benefits and manage £55,187 in benefits.  Advice given was largely in relation to benefits, employment, and debt, but the service also provided support with a number of enquiries related to housing and legal issues.

Members heard how the Thriving Communities Project, Delivered by Mind, had fully mobilised, with 20 clients receiving one-to-one support and groups now being well attended.

In the quarter Age UK Barnsley had supported 84 individuals with personalised plans, and had engaged 27 volunteers within the area. Noted was the spread of activity throughout the central area.

Reds Connect had amended and altered provision as weather dictated, and was developing new services with service users.  Exercise classes regularly saw 35 attendees, with around 27 attending walking football.  Attendance at the supporting memories group was also increasing each week.

It was suggested that Members be kept informed of activities, in order that these can be promoted widely.

Both The Youth Association and Barnsley YMCA continued to provide user led street based youth work, with each ward having relevant provision.  The Youth Association had successfully responded to request for a greater presence on the days leading up to bonfire night.

Members raised questions in relation to the Private Sector Housing SLA and the prevalence of Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).  It was noted that the majority of the focus of the officer was not related to HMOs.

Questions were raised in relation to direct contact with the officer allocated to assist with flytipping in the Central Area. It was noted that due to current pressures all work was being reported centrally and then allocated on a priority basis.

With regards to the Clean and Green Service, concerns were raised regarding the service spending significant time supporting the same areas, and also addressing areas which may be the responsibility of Neighbourhood Services.  In addition, Members requested that they be made aware of activities in their ward in order to encourage engagement and support.

In relation to the District Enforcement contract and dog fouling, the issue of overflowing bins was raised, and the Area Chair agreed to take this issue forward.

Concerns were raised that the report featured individuals and residences that could be easily identified.  It was suggested that assurances would be sought that appropriate approvals had been received for this and future reports.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           that the report be received;

(ii)          that services be reminded to circulate dates and times of their activities to Elected Members to allow wider promotion;

(iii)        that the Area Chair discusses the issue of emptying public litter and dog fouling bins at the next meeting of the Area Chairs.