Agenda item

The North Area Manager presented a report which provided Members with a financial position and forecast for expenditure based on the projects that had been proposed.  The report also highlighted the need to agree a clear plan for commissioning against the priorities.

In relation to the Clean and Green Service, Members were requested to inform

the North Area Manager by 14 July 2023 of any jobs to be prioritised during

August 2023.  Consideration was required for key performance indicators, and a record would be kept of the number of groups and dedicated hours that the Environmental Community Caretaker dedicated to supporting the volunteering activity.

The Environmental Caretaker Team Leader G6 had commenced in post on

3 July 2023 to work with an apprentice in the north area.  The North Area Manager expressed her thanks to those Members that had arranged meet and greet sessions with the individuals.  A total of 4/5 applications had been received for the driver post G4.  Following a shortlisting process, the interviews would be held on 21 July 2023.

In response to a question received from Councillor A Cave, the North Area Manager would ascertain whether the Environmental Community Caretaker Team could meet with the women at Springfields estate / Dayhouse Court in July 2023.

Councillor Hunt suggested that given the Environmental Community Caretaker Model would be 80% scheduled maintenance with priorities identified by the Ward Alliances, it would be helpful for the reporting to be percentage based on the performance schedule by ward.

Members were referred to the health and wellbeing connecting communities grant.  It was noted that the Age UK Barnsley project would conclude in December 2023, and the DIAL Barnsley and Reds in the Community projects would conclude at the end of March 2024.  A decision would be sought at the North Area Council meeting on

11 September 2023 to determine whether there should be a continuation of the programmes.  The North Area Manager would schedule for Members to meet with the Grants Panel to review the performance information to ascertain whether value for money was being achieved.

RESOLVED that

(i)         Members noted the progress on the Environmental Community Caretaker Service recruitment.

(ii)        The North Area Council noted the existing budget position and the existing funding commitments.  At Section 4 of the report.

(iii)      Members noted Section 5 of the report following the Priorities, Budget and Commissioning workshop held on the 23 June 2023.

(iv)      That the Connecting Communities Grant Panel meet to review the outcomes of the grant delivery projects and consider the continuation of the funding from January/April 2024.

(v)       That the priority working group for Young People meet with the Area Manager and Senior Link Officer to review the Youth Resilience Grant.