Agenda item

The North Area Manager presented a report which appraised Members of the proposed response that would be available to provide cost of living support for residents during winter 2023.  Following the May Area Council Meeting, Members had requested that the North Area Manager work with the existing Connecting Communities Grant providers to enhance food access provision.

The report provided a summary of the workshops that had ran since July 2022.  The most recent workshop had been held at Roundhouse Library on 10 May 2023 which had discussed a range of matters including the household support grant, food access, healthy activities and food, and sport and recreation.  At the North Area Council Meeting held in May 2023, Members had agreed that the Sport Van would be funded with the aim to secure Ramp Up sessions to run across the area during the summer holiday period, and that a micro grant opportunity working with the Connecting Communities Grant providers would be utilised from the £10,000 identified, to deliver communal eating opportunities for communities during winter 2023/24.

In relation to DIAL providing fortnightly sessions for existing Connect Together and new members at Emmanuel Church and Kexborough Community Centre, Councillor Lofts considered that whilst Emmanuel Church is an excellent facility, it was located in the wrong area in terms of accessibility.  He suggested that consideration should be given to St Paul’s Church and Honeywell Community Centre.

Councillor Hunt expressed concern that the priority working groups were all based within two locations, which would essentially result in the Darton East Ward missing out on all three proposals and the St Helen’s Ward not being well represented.

In response, the North Area Manager would make enquiries with a view to spreading the provision to include the Darton East and St Helen’s Wards, and to ascertain whether the DIAL priority working group would be able to extend the offer to the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist.

Councillor Leech requested if possible, for a couple of options to be made available for Members’ consideration under the existing £10,000 budget.

The North Area Manager would provide Members with a revised version in due course.

In relation to the recommendations highlighted within the report, Councillor Leech suggested that the decision in relation to the cost of living be devolved to the working group, rather than to be brought to the next North Area Council meeting.

RESOLVED that

(i)         Members confirmed that they wished to commit £10,000 to provide communal eating opportunities for residents experiencing social isolation and financial hardship during the winter months 2023/24.

(ii)        Members referred to the proposals submitted by the Connecting Communities providers, Appendix 1, and agreed to commit the funding to realise the proposals.