Agenda item

The Area Council Manager presented an update report with regard to the Dearne Area Council commissioned services and potential future projects.

Particular reference was made to the following:

·         The Social Connectivity Service – it was recommended that the Area Council approve the continuation into the second year of the three year contract

·         The work of the Housing and Cohesion Officer and to the continued proactivity in identifying problematic areas

·         The Employment and Skills Service – it was recommended that the Area Council approve the continuation into the second year of the three year contract.  It was noted that the issues associated with the lease on the building had now been resolved

·         The Neighbourhood and Engagement Officer Role and the work undertaken.  It was noted that the post holder had secured a permanent part time post in the Deane Area Team, however, as of 1^st June, the postholder had also secured a permanent part time post in the North East.  The actual cost to the Area Council in this financial year was, therefore, only £6,354.  Arising out of this discussion, Members placed on record their thanks and appreciation of the services of the Officer and to the way in which this work might be undertaken going forward

·         The Environmental Service contract delivered by TWIGGS.  It was noted that, as reported at the last meeting, the contract extension had been agreed which would now end at the end of March2024.  The Tam would be working 3 days in the area with a team Leader and an apprentice.  They would be working in groups with volunteers and undertaken scheduled works which had already been develops by the Area Council and passed on to the provider.

·         Potential future projects – now that newly elected members were in place, a workshop was to be convened to discuss environmental and young people’s initiatives

The Chair briefly reported on a potential new funding initiative she had become aware of which amounted to approximately £1m for the Ings Lane and wider area towards Wath-upon-Dearne in respect of which applications were sought.  She would email the Area Council Manager with details so that this could be explored further.

RESOVED:-

(i)        that update report on Dearne Area Council Commissions be noted;

(ii)       that the Social Connectivity Commissioned service be approved for the second year of a three year contract from July 2023 to the end of June 2024 at a cost of £28,000;

(iii)      That the Employment and Skills Commissioned service be approved for the second year of a three year contract from April 2023 to the end of March 2024 at a cost of £34,000; and

(iii)      that the Chair inform the Area Council Manager of details of the potential finding initiative for improvements to the Ings Lane and wider area and the Area Council Manager be requested to investigate this matter further.