Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced a report providing an updated financial position for all Dearne Area Council spend.  In particular it was noted that, to date, the Area Council have spent and earmarked £217,280 on previously agreed projects/services, out of the allocated £220,664 for 2016/17, leaving £3384.  The addition of fixed notice penalty income to this amount leaves approximately £9,200 unallocated for 2016/17.

With regard to 2017/18 it was reported that, as a result of the allocation of resources to the Investigations and Housing officer roles, the procurement of the volunteer, education and environmental service and the continuation of the Kingdom enforcement service, the total spend committed for 2017/18 was £180,060, leaving £9,139 unallocated.

Members discussed the feedback they were getting from the community with regard to enforcement activity and expressed their concerns that there had been a reduction in activity, particularly on dog fouling.  It was recognised that Kingdom had experienced some staffing issues, however, there was a need to investigate further the reasons for the reduction in activity and to consider how to improve performance by utilising more targeted operations and improved contract management.

Members noted the progress on projects and in particular the Railway Embankment Project, where the group are considering the access routes to the site and how it would be managed.  Two applications had been received in respect of the continuation of the environmental and volunteering service and interviews would take place on 12^th January, 2017.

RESOLVED:-

(i)        that the updated financial position for 2016/17 and 2017/18 as now reported be noted;

(ii)       that the progress of previously agreed projects that have been committed out of the 2016/17 and 2017/18 allocation be noted; and

(iii)      that approval be given to the continuation of the Kingdom enforcement service, in accordance with the original in principle agreement for the contract that started in April 2016.