Agenda item

The Area Council Manager presented members with the annual performance report containing an update of each of the contracted services and how they fit in with each of the Area Council’s priorities.

It was reported that the Twiggs South Area Tidy Team’s first year had been a difficult transitioning year from the well-established previous provider and it had taken a year to get an infrastructure in place and support for covid recovery.  Members noted that it would be gala and events season coming up and to inform Twiggs of any support required prior to the event taking place and afterwards.  Examples of a number of projects and regular work that Twiggs had worked on were given.  Members praised the work Twiggs had done with regards to installing covid memorial planters. 

Age UK Barnsley had achieved all it’s targets with 315 people receiving support and 23 new volunteers.  63 people had received support regarding fuel poverty which was predicted to rise significantly in the forthcoming months.  A key area that had come out of the contract meetings was that an increase in referrals from external sources such as Social Prescribing, GPs and Social Care had been seen.  Members recognised that there was a challenge to reach everyone that needed help and support and that they would look into how to be more successful in carrying that out.

The Civil and Environmental Enforcement contract had seen 1014 patrolling hours with 150 targeted operations resulting in 11 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and 35 for littering.  Members noted that 428 parking notices had been issued but that there was an imbalance across the area with the majority issued in Wombwell.

The Private Sector Housing Officer had made 261 initial contacts, 40 properties had been improved and 84 properties had been supported with waste disposal.  It was reported that following concerns around the post being temporary which had resulted in a number of people leaving, this had been resolved and the post was now permanent which was deemed a bonus for the project. 

Members heard how the Citizen’s Advice Bureau Service had provided service to a large number of people and helped with a considerable amount of debt of £99,442.  194 new people had accessed the service with a variety of issues including benefits, tax credits and universal credit.  Members were informed that work was underway to identify an alternate venue that could accommodate the service in Darfield for drop-in sessions and discussion were being held with the Darfield Community Centre.  The service was also being delivered via drop in sessions in Hoyland Library and Wombwell library.

An update was provided with regards to the Stop Smoking Advisor who continued to hold sessions with people and attend events and pop-up events to promote and drive the service.

Members queried whether enforcement officers had to offer the 5 minutes observation time for illegal and inconsiderate parking which seemed to leave enough time for people to drive off and not be prosecuted.  It was therefore queried if it was lawful to have to allow the 5 minutes observation time and if so could there be the option of noting down number plates and sending out a polite reminder of the dangers to elderly, vulnerable and young people with inconsiderate parking.

RESOLVED that the report be noted