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PRESENT:
The Worshipful the Mayor (Councillor D S Foster) in the Chair
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Mrs P M Allen J Fenton-Glynn S M Press
S Baines, MBE A Gallagher C Raistrick
J D Baker Mrs C M Greenwood H J Rivron
M Barnes J C D Hardy G A Robinson
P A Bellenger S Holdsworth J Scullion
S L Benton C H Hutchinson F Shoukat
H G Blagbrough D E Kirton A Smith
J P E Caffrey L Lambert B T R Smith
R Cavanagh J M Lynn D Sutherland
S Clarke R Metcalfe S Sweeney
Mrs A Collins M Naeem T Swift MBE
S Courtney A Parsons-Hulse R L Taylor
S Dacre S A Patient A D Wilkinson
R G Dickenson C Pillai JP D K Young
A J R Evans V M Porritt
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53 SIMON NENDICK The Mayor referred to the recent sad death of Simon Nendick, who had been a Facilities Support Officer based at the Town Hall, Halifax and Members stood in silent tribute.
54 MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 18TH SEPTEMBER 2019
It was moved by the Mayor, Seconded by Deputy Mayor, and
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on the 18th September 2019, having been printed and a copy sent to each Member of the Council, be taken as read and signed by the Mayor.
55 MEMBERS INTERESTS The Mayor reminded Members of the need to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other interests which they might have in relation to the items to be considered at the Council meeting.
56 MAYOR’S OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
(A) Members of the Council had been invited to sign the Children Looked After and the Young Care Leavers Pledge prior to the start of the Council Meeting. The Mayor invited the Children Looked After and the Young Care Leavers present to address the Council
(B) Councillor S Benton announced that Councillor Pillai had been nominated by the Conservative Group as the Mayor Elect for 2020/21 Municipal Year and the Council congratulated Councillor Pillai on his nomination.
(C) The Mayor invited Councillor Metcalfe to present to Council gifts received on behalf of visiting social workers and government employees from the city of Chuncheon, South Korea. The visitors had visited to learn how community care works in a well-established local adult social care team in the UK.. The gifts received were given as a sign of their appreciation for the hospitality received and they also wished to convey their heartfelt thanks to the staff who had welcomed them and made the visit informative, insightful and enjoyable.
57 HONORARY FREEWOMAN The Mayor referred to the proposed nomination pursuant to the powers under section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council admit Sally Wainwright to be an Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Calderdale in recognition and acknowledgement of her eminent services to the Borough;
It was moved by Councillor T Swift, Seconded by Councillor Scullion; and
RESOLVED that
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(a) pursuant to the powers under Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972 the Council admit Sally Wainwright to be an Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Calderdale in recognition and acknowledgement of her eminent services to the Borough;
(b) a ceremony be arranged at which a formal address be presented by the Mayor; and
(c) the Mayor and the Chief Executive be authorised on this occasion to attest the fixing of the Common Seal of the Council to the address to be presented.
58 PETITIONS PRESENTED BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL No petitions were presented.
59 TO CONSIDER THE PETITION RECEIVED AT COUNCIL ON 18TH SEPTEMBER 2019, ON CENTRE VALE PARK, TODMORDEN BANDSTAND
Councillor Benton presented the Centre Vale Park, Todmorden Bandstand petition on behalf of Councillor Holden for Members consideration under Part 4, Rule 11 of the Council’s Constitution. He advised that Todmorden had recently received £25m funding some of which could be hopefully used to restore the bandstand.
The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources set out the background to the decision that had been made regarding the bandstand and actions taken following receipt of the petition namely deferring implementation of the decision until the end of the municipal year to enable interested parties to seek funding to restore the bandstand, pausing the planning permission process and facilitating a site visit by CAFM to meet with the petition organisers.
Councillor Baker advised that there were very few bandstands still in existence and if restored it could be used to host music festivals. He had previously suggested that Todmorden Town Council take ownership of the building but this had not been adopted.
The Mayor advised that Council could not reverse the Cabinet decision but could request that Cabinet reconsider its decision.
Councillor Benton proposed that Cabinet reconsider its decision which was seconded by Councillor Baines MBE. The Leader, Councillor T Swift MBE advised he supported the proposal.
RESOLVED that Cabinet be requested to reconsider, at the earliest opportunity, the decision made on Centre Vale Park, Todmorden Bandstand.
60 TO ANSWER QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDER COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 12
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61 CABINET RECOMMENDATIONS
(A) NORTHGATE SITE REDEVELOPMENT – MINUTE NUMBER 68/B62 (E) It was moved by Councillor T Swift MBE, Seconded by Councillor Scullion,
that the recommendation of the Cabinet contained in Minute Number 68/B62 Part (a), (ii) and (iii) be approved.
Councillors Baker, Caffrey, Scullion and T Swift MBE commented on the recommendation.
RESOLVED that:
(a) The Deputy Leader be requested to provide a written response to Councillor Caffrey regarding commercialisation of the development;
(b) an increase of the current approved capital budget of £10.655m by an amount referred to in the Director, Regeneration and Strategy’s written report to deliver the scheme and bring office space at Northgate House to Category A standard, to prepare ground floor accommodation for retail use and to deliver renewed courtyard public realm be approved; and
(c) the additional cost, as referred to in the Director, Regeneration and Strategy’s written report, be funded in the first instance by prudential borrowing and funded over the lifetime of the project by the commercial income stream anticipated for the scheme be approved.
62 GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
(B) MEETING TIMETABLE 2020/21 – MINUTE NUMBER 18/J7.
It was moved by Councillor Lambert, Seconded by Councillor Pillai,
that the recommendation of the Governance and Business Committee contained in Minute Number 18/J7 be approved.
RESOLVED that
(a) the meeting timetable for the 2020/21 Municipal Year be approved, as set out on the following page;
(b) the Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 23rd September 2020 be re-arranged for Thursday 24th September 2020, to avoid clashing with the main political party conferences;
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(c) the Budget Council meeting in 2021 be held on Monday, 22nd February 2021; and
(d) the Annual Council meeting in 2021 be held on Wednesday, 19th May 2021 commencing at 1200 hours. A 132
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CALDERDALE COUNCIL MEETING TIMETABLE 2020/2021 (9 week cycle) All meetings commence at 1800 hours unless otherwise stated 2020 2021 *holiday clashes May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
M Audit (15/2 only) 25 27 28 30 15
WEEK WEEK 1
T Planning x 2 (14.00/18.00) 26 28 29 1 16
W CYP Svcs (except 27/05 27 29 30 2 17 T 28 30 1 3 18 F 29 31 2 4 19
M Audit (except 5/9 & 22/2) 1 3 5 7 22
T
WEEK WEEK 2 CYPS (only 2/6) 2 4 6 8 23
W Strategy and Performance 3 5 7 9 24 (except 04/10) T Place 4 6 8 10 25 F 5 7 9 11 26
M Licensing & Regulatory 8 10 12 14 1
WEEK WEEK 3 T Audit (13/10 only) 9 11 13 15 2
W S &P (14/10 only) 10 12 14 16 3
T Health & Wellbeing Board (10.00) 11 13 15 17 4 F 12 14 16 18 5
M Standards 15 17 19 4 8
WEEK WEEK 4
T Planning x 2 (14.00/18.00) 16 18 20 5 9
W 17 19 21 6 10 T Adult, H&SC 18 20 22 7 11 F 19 21 23 8 12
M G & B (24/08 only) 22 24 26 11 15
WEEK WEEK 5 T 23 25 27 12 16
W CYP Svcs 24 26 28 13 17 T 25 27 29 14 18 F 26 28 30 15 19
M G & B (except 31/8) 29 *31 2 18 22
WEEK WEEK 6 T 30 1 3 19 23
W Strategy and Performance 1 2 4 20 24 T Place 2 3 5 21 25 F 3 4 6 22 26
M 6 7 9 25 29
WEEK WEEK 7
T Planning x 2 (14.00/18.00) 7 8 10 26 30
W 8 9 11 27 31 T 9 10 12 28 1 F 10 11 13 29 2
M 13 14 16 1 5
WEEK WEEK 8 T 14 15 17 2 6
W 15 16 18 3 7 T Adult, H&SC 16 17 19 4 8 F 17 18 20 5 9
M 20 21 23 8 12
WEEK WEEK 9 T 21 22 24 9 13
W COUNCIL (except 23/09/20) 22 23 25 10 14 T COUNCIL (only 24/09/20) 23 24 26 11 15 F 24 25 27 12 16* BUDGET COUNCIL – MONDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2021 ANNUAL COUNCIL – WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 A 133
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63 REPORT OF THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL ON THE WORK OF THE WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY (WYCA) ACTIVITY – NOVEMBER 2019
GOVERNANCE ISSUES
A quick reminder to start of our Representatives at WYCA Committees as follows :
Board Calderdale Representation WYCA Main Board Councillor Tim Swift Leeds City Region Enterprise Councillor Tim Swift Partnership Board Investment Committee Councillor Jane Scullion Business Innovation and Growth Panel Councillor Tim Swift Business Investment Panel Councillor Jane Scullion Employment and Skills Panel Councillor Adam Wilkinson Green Economy Panel Councillor Scott Patient Place Panel Councillor Tim Swift
Councillor Peter Caffery Transport Committee Councillor Daniel Sutherland Councillor James Baker Councillor Stephen Baines Scrutiny Panel Councillor Dot Foster
POLICY INITIATIVES
A policy on Climate change is being drafted up by WYCA and should make its way through relevant Committees at WYCA in the coming months.
The work to produce a Local Industrial Strategy has moved forward into its second round of public consultation. The Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership is currently consulting on a draft set of priorities covering: addressing the productivity gap, putting health at the heart of the region, supporting businesses to meet the challenges of the future economy and create better jobs, accelerating economic growth through technology and innovation, building on the success of the globally important healthcare sector, making sure our environment promotes health, active lifestyles and is fit for future generation to enjoy, skilled people in good jobs with access to training to help build their careers and health, modern communities where everyone living and working in the region can reach their full potential. Two consultation events have been held with key stakeholders in Calderdale, aiming to ensure the new Strategy reflects the important issues and aspirations for our area.
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Work is also continuing on the development of WYCA’s Inclusive Economy Framework, bringing together the efforts and talents of the public, private and third sector to ensure that everyone benefits from growth in the local economy. This complements Calderdale’s own Inclusive Economy Strategy with the two coalescing in our pilot project focusing on Park and Warley wards. Funded through the West Yorkshire Business rate pool, the engagement process with local groups and businesses is well underway, and a team is now operating from a base at Queens Road Neighbourhood Centre. The steering group is meeting in November and spend on employment and training support has commenced.
CAPITAL SPENDING AND PROJECT APPRAISALS
Transport Scheme Progress
The West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund team have finalised Design & Build tender documentation for the A629 Phase 1b (Calder & Hebble) project. They expect to release the tender to the market w/c 11th of November. The team have engaged in significant market development work to ensure the Council engages in a highly competitive dialogue for the works and that value is maximised.
Work continues on revisions to the design for the A629 Phase 2 project (Halifax town Centre). At present the team are finalising details and consulting, to enable a revised planning application to be submitted at the end of the year.
Consultants have now been appointed to assist officers with the production of a Strategic Outline Case for the large A641 Transport Fund project in South East Calderdale. Visioning workshops will be carried out shortly.
Brighouse Flood Scheme
Working closely with WYCA and the Environment Agency, approval was received in early November (subject to contract and conditions) for a £3m contribution to the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme and Catchment Improvements project from the European Structural Investment Fund (ESIF).The works will form part of the Council’s broader response to the Climate Emergency agenda and protect other planned investments in Brighouse.
The funding will be used to progress a number of planned improvements in the town, including the refurbishment and replacement of existing flood protection measures and the installation of new features along the River Calder.
This first phase of the scheme would also include work on lower Clifton Beck, addressing specific issues around Phoenix Bridge and Mill Lane. Further work would then take place on the watercourse through Wellholme Park.
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Beck and its tributaries and at Cromwell Bottom.
In total, the planned work would significantly improve the protection from flooding to 35 homes and over 250 businesses. It would also improve the environment around the Armytage Road industrial area, allowing new and existing businesses to flourish.
It has been confirmed by Government that any ESIF funding secured before the end of 2020 will be guaranteed by the UK Government, even in the event of a no-deal exit from Europe.
POTENTIAL FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
Transforming Cities Fund
WYCA are currently working with District colleagues on a package of measures which seeks to deliver on the following objectives:
Transforming connectivity on our corridors in greatest need Creating Transformed 21st Century Gateways Transforming mobility for future generations
This work builds on the Stage 1 submission which was made in June with the final strategic outline business case due on 28th November.
The overall funding for this element of the TCF is £1.28 bn of capital, within which WYCA and consequently Calderdale are very well represented. The final funding announcement is due in March 2020.
DfT Challenge Fund
Working with district colleagues WYCA submitted a prioritised bid to the DfT at the end of October for highway schemes of up to £5 million. Again Calderdale is well represented in the Bid List and we await the response from DfT.
Employment Schemes, WYCA and European Funding
Works Better ESF programme to help people over age 25 years old who have multiple barriers access employment covers 3 years support finishing June 2020. The ESF funding with Match totals £2.3 Million
Calderdale Employment Hub ESF funded, helps young people aged 15 – 25 to access learning and or employment. To work with over 500 local businesses and to help 650 young people into learning and or work. Programme funded by ESF, with match totals £2.1million and runs until Dec 2023.
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learning and social prescribing activity to help them move closer to work. Funded for 3 years until Dec 2023 contract value with match £2.6 million
Growth Hub, a 3 year ERDF programme of business support, which covers the whole of the Leeds City Regional Growth Hub, 2 staff funded to be based in Calderdale, to deliver direct support to help businesses grow. The £225,000 funding is until Dec 2023. DEVOLUTION LATEST
During October, there was considerable focus on the possibility of achieving a West Yorkshire / Leeds City Region devolution deal as part of a wider set of measures to secure some devolution for Yorkshire. This included both political and officer-level meetings. This would centre on a Mayoral combined authority covering the five West Yorkshire authorities, with some options for links with the wider city region through associate membership or a joint committee. In these discussions, West Yorkshire leader emphasised that it was important parallel work took place to secure some progress across the remaining parts of Yorkshire. The announcement of a General Election has inevitably stalled progress in the short term.
Councillor Press advised that from December 2019 the bus service to Burnley would cease and that there would only be one bus per hour from Todmorden to Cornholme during the day which was unacceptable. The bus service from Halifax to Rochdale was to be reinstated which was welcome. In 2019 the West Yorkshire Bus Alliance had pledged to work with colleagues to prevent loss of services. Why had these services been lost/reduced? In response, the Leader Councillor T Swift MBE advised that he had spoken to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Chair, Transport Services regarding the loss of services and was advised that these were commercial changes instigated by First Bus not by WYCA who were reviewing what could be done to restore services including franchises which bus companies argue are not necessary.
Councillor Baker enquired if an economic assessment had been done in Calderdale due to the lack of Devolution in Yorkshire and what was being done to lobby for Devolution? In response, the Leader Councillor T Swift MBE advised he had been disappointed at the outcome of the 2015/16 bid for devolution and that he did not know what the cost to Calderdale following the lack of devolution was.
(Councillor Taylor declared an interest in the above item as he works for West Yorkshire Metro who were part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority).
64 REPORTS OF THE LEADER AND CABINET MEMBERS
(A) LEADER’S REPORT Councillor T Swift MBE, Leader, submitted a written report on the work he had carried out since the last meeting of the Council as follows:
Recognition for Calderdale A 137
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As the Chief Executive has already informed colleagues, we were delighted to hear that Calderdale has been shortlisted in the highly competitive ‘Council of the Year ‘ category in the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards along with 5 others, which had a record number of entries and 700 across all categories. We have also been shortlisted for Children’s Services national award for the second successive year.
In the same week, we were told about our improved rating in the IMPOWER Most Productive Councils 2019 list, where for the first time we have jumped into the Top 10, moving from 13th last year (after being 17th in 2017) into 4th place! Unlike the LGC Awards, this is something we don’t submit to, but is subject to rigorous data analysis across 7 domains.
General Election impacts
The calling of a General Election has disrupted our work in various ways, partly due to rules around ‘purdah’ (which seem to be interpreted very differently in different councils) but more particularly through the impact on Government business and announcements. The most significant issue of course is the lack of certainty about next year’s local government financial settlement, which will only become clear once a new Government is in place.
This is a good point to place on record my appreciation and support for our elections team who are now running their third Council-wide election of the year, having started the year expecting only one!
Key Cabinet actions
Since the last Council meeting, Cabinet has met three times. In addition to the recommendation to Council regarding the Northgate site, some of the important issues and decisions taken include:-
First 100 days. A report setting out the progress achieved against the ‘100 Days of Action’ priorities identified in June. 21 out of 25 were fully delivered at pace, with good progress or clear reasons for amendment in the other cases.
Land for housing. As part of our Partnership agreement with Together Housing, we agreed to release a further site for housing development.
Local Plan. A special meeting was held to agree the response to the Inspector’s initial comments on the local plan, identifying how additional housing numbers can be provided with as limited as possible release of A 138
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new sites. A strengthened policy on climate change was also approved.
Piece Hall Trust. Since its reopening two years ago, the Piece Hall has had a huge impact on Halifax and Calderdale. It has been at the heart of a renewed pride in our Borough, and attracted national and international attention, as well as triggering important investment and economic developments in Halifax particularly. However, the Trust and ourselves have also learnt much more about the real costs of operating a nationally significant heritage asset, and this has required reconsideration of the business plan and the level of public support required to maintain this impact, leading to agreement of a revised package of financial support over the next four years.
Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme. I was very pleased that a grant of £3m has been agreed from the European Structural Investment Fund towards this scheme, which is part of the ongoing programme to improve flood defences and resilience through the Borough.
Revenue Monitoring. We are continuing to face major challenges to our budget caused by rising demands and costs in social care. This highlights the need for real action at national level to provide a sustainable funding base for social care which recognises the importance of social care to health, given that some of our costs are driven by the need to support and sustain people in the community who would otherwise remain in hospital.
Cabinet also took decisions on Brighouse on street parking charges, agreed the five year commissioning forward plan for children and adult services, a new model for accessing care services and advice through ‘Gateway to Care Plus’, adopted the ‘Local Government Health Weight Declaration’ previously endorsed by the Health and Well Being Board, approved actions to address concerns about asset and risk management on the schools estate, agreed the first annual report on the Anti-Poverty Action Plan, and approved the restructuring of the Green Spaces and Street Scene Service.
Health and care issues
The Health and Wellbeing Board met at Square Chapel in October when much of the meeting was focused on how participation in, and enjoyment of, the arts can contribute to health and wellbeing. We also looked at what the West Yorkshire and Harrogate 5 year plan would mean for Calderdale residents; received updates on Calderdale Cares; approved the final year of the CAMHS Local Transformation Plan; and agreed a response to the Government’s Prevention Green Paper. A 139
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I was invited to speak to health and local government leaders in Durham and the North East about our experience of developing the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health Partnership, which was an interesting opportunity to understand how our approach differs from what is happening elsewhere. The focus that we have placed on clear principles of subsidiarity, ensuring that we only act at Partnership level where there is a strong rationale for doing so, is critical to our bottom up approach to bringing health and care together in a way that builds services around the person and makes the greatest possible use of local social capital and resources.
“Our Stars”
The annual staff recognition event, “Our Stars”, was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening. It’s great to see that so many of our colleagues are proud of working for Calderdale, demonstrate the values that we espouse, and that their work is recognised by the colleagues who put them forward. Thank you to the fellow councillors who attended, I know this is appreciated by the staff, and a bit well done and thank you to the team who organised the event.
Remaining vigilant
The recent flooding in South Yorkshire – caused by extreme weather which only narrowly missed Calderdale – is an important reminder of why we need to maintain pressure to secure not just stronger flood defences, but to continue our work on building resilience and on natural flood management. At the moment land across the Borough is already saturated and we will make sure council services and partners remain vigilant throughout the potentially risky winter period.
Councillor Greenwood congratulated the Council on going from 13th to 4th place in the 2019 rankings for Child Care placements although there was evidence of an increase in high needs care provision being required. Could Members be assured that there had been no funding transferred from one provision to the other and could this be scrutinised? Councillor T Swift MBE advised Councillor Greenwood to write to him and the Chief Executive with the details of her concerns and they would respond to them. He also advised that the rankings were reported to the Strategy and Performance Scrutiny Board for review.
Councillor Fenton- Glynn advised that Calderdale Council were ranked as 13th most at risk local authority in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Had the Council looked at this risk and the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit? Councillor T A 140
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Swift MBE advised that the Council was aware of the risks and uncertainties arising from Brexit and that a report went to Cabinet regarding a hard/soft Brexit. After the general election the Council would review where it was again.
Councillor Young advised that Yorkshire Water had not reduced the reservoir levels by 10%. Wasn’t this agreed with them to be done two years ago? Councillor T Swift MBE responded that the risk of flooding was of concern and water levels were monitored throughout the Borough. The Council was disappointed at the lack of progress on the issue of reduction of water levels in the reservoirs but it was a legislative and licensing issue between Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency. He was assured that this would be resolved and that the Chief Executive, Calderdale MBC had written to the Chief Executive at Yorkshire Water for an update on this issue.
(B) CABINET MEMBER REPORTS
(i) Deputy Leader and Regeneration and Resources Councillor Scullion, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources submitted a written report on the work she had carried out since the last meeting of the Council as follows:
CAFM:
Halifax Town Centre improvements The Corporate Asset and Facilities Management (CAFM) Service is working on a number of developments to help to reinvigorate Halifax Town Centre.
As part of a major programme of works to improve the environment of the Borough Market and make it both wind and water tight a phased approach to addressing issues with the roof has commenced. At a cost of almost £0.5m, phase one has involved re-roofing the shops and houses on the Market Street parade, re-pointing and undertaking significant repairs to the chimneys. Future phases are being planned.
We are also developing a full business case to the national Future High Streets Fund, which aims to revitalise struggling high streets up and down the country, by April 2020. If successful, this business case will attract up to £12 million of Government funding to support delivery of these schemes which include the Borough Market and the Victoria Theatre - An overall plan to make the Theatre more accessible for all, to encourage more people to eat and spend time there and to be more attractive to commercial clients. Together, this should attract a wider and more prestigious range of artists, building on the Theatre’s growing reputation.
Continuing to Invest in our Libraries A £1.75 million programme of refurbishment is taking place at Elland Library, transforming the building into a community hub providing a range of services. The library is scheduled to close on 16th November A 141
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2019 and will temporarily relocate to the former Customer First office on Southgate. The work is expected to take around 10 months. Works have commenced at Todmorden Library. It is anticipated that the works are likely to cost around £150k and should be completed by spring 2020.
Re:fit Programme delivers Re:fit Phase 2 (12 buildings) was completed in August 2019, subject to finalisation of minor matters and the 12 month contractual responsibility for the contractor (SSE) to rectify any defects that may arise. The cost has been contained below the approved budget of £1.26m. This has been funded by a 5-year, interest-free loan from Salix finance in the sum of £755,055 with the balance of committed expenditure being funded from prudential borrowing over the 13-year payback period. Phase 2’s contractual energy savings guarantee is £74k per year starting from August 2019. Therefore, SSE must account for the savings achieved annually in arrears starting in September 2020. Phase 2 will also result in net financial benefits of around £20k per year through reduced maintenance and other costs combined with income from electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. These panels have also been installed on the roofs of nine Phase 1 and 2 buildings. The approximate financial benefit of these from installation to 1st October 2019 is £59,712.00 and 156 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions offset. In addition coal boilers at Cross Lane School have been replaced with efficient gas boilers. The work is being funded by the school (under a formal agreement with the Council) with the support of a Salix interest- free 8 year loan. This work is almost complete as at 1st October 2019 and has been carried out as a pilot for other schools to utilise the Council’s Re:fit Framework if they wish.
HOMELESSNESS SERVICES TEAM:
• Temporary Accommodation and Support Service - has recently seen in an increase in the number of families becoming homeless. We are therefore reviewing the support that we offer to families with more of a focus on the children.
• Housing Options Service - We are refreshing training for Customer First staff, covering Eligibility, Homelessness, Priority need and intentionality. Probation were also involved, so we have a better understanding of the services offered in prison.
The Winter shelter opened on the 1st of October and has been full on some nights. We are working with our partners to ensure each individual has a plan for moving on into more secure accommodation.
• Housing Support (mental health) - The tenancy support scheme has seen an increase in the number of referrals. This year we have supported the Union Housing scheme to furnish Savile Bank, a new 10 bedded property which has been commissioned by the CCG. A 142
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• Young Persons Housing Team - The team have received 164 presentations since the introduction of the Homelessness Reduction Act with no placements made into bed and breakfast accommodation. The crashpad is proving successful in preventing young people becoming homeless, giving families respite.
Resettlement Team - We are getting ready to welcome a further two families into Calderdale who have fled the war in Syria and will support them to settle and integrate into Calderdale.
• Rough Sleeping - Monthly Task and Targeting meetings are now in place where action plans for each individual who is identified as rough sleeping are established and monitored. There have been some excellent outcomes where individuals who have refused to engage with services in the past are now on the point of moving into their own tenancies. Outreach staff are actively developing relationships.
HOUSING ENABLING AND PROJECTS TEAM:
• North Halifax Transformation - A full Masterplan report for the three sites of Clough Lane, Turner Avenue South and Keighley Road is currently on track to be completed by February 2020. Subject to site disposal and planning consent, there is potential for 250 new dwellings across the three sites.
• Railway Bridge View Extra Care Scheme (65 new units) - The scheme build is progressing well with a forecast completion date of September 2020. ‘Dementia friendly’ design proposals have been shared and consulted on.
• Small Sites Project - Site disposal to SME’s - Outline planning permission is in place for 12 new dwellings on three small sites, most likely to be for outright sale. Walker Singleton has been appointed as agent and will market the sites to local SME builders.
• Calderdale and Together Housing Investment Partnership (CTHIP) – New homes at Rooley Heights in Sowerby Bridge will be completed in December 2019, offering an additional 28 affordable homes. One of the bungalows on the scheme will be adapted to meet the needs of a family currently on the Council’s list for a Disabled Facilities Grant. In October 19, the Abbey Park site in Illingworth received full planning permission for 83 new homes, 20 of which will be for shared ownership.
• Community Led Housing Project - A partnership between Calder Valley Community Land Trust (CVCLT) and John Eastwood Homes will see a former piece of land at Birks Lane, Walsden transformed to provide 6 high quality affordable homes (2 alms homes and 4 for A 143
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PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING TEAM:
• We are now in a position to progress a small number of Home Appreciation Loan schemes ( HALs). HALs enable home owners who cannot afford a commercial loan to fund essential repairs and are arranged with Sheffield City Council . There are currently 5 schemes in the pipeline each of which involves re-roofing the property.
• Seven additional first time central heating installations are in the pipeline, for homes where the residents currently have no central heating systems.
PLANNING:
The last few months have seen a period of concentrated activity on the Local Plan. Cabinet has now agreed to modifications to the housing requirement and potential site allocations and these will be consulted upon early in the New Year. There has been a constructive debate about the options available to the Council with passionate views expressed from a range of perspectives. We are confident that the approach we have chosen to follow addresses the Inspector’s concerns in a manner that strikes the right balance between environmental, economic and social sustainability.
CORPORATE PROCUREMENT UNIT:
The Unit has concluded the procurement of several tender procedures, over the EU thresholds, worth over £20m in total. These were all successfully concluded without challenge to the process. This has enabled Services to move directly on to the introduction of new contracts. The work including the conclusion of procurements for the Sixth Form College and provision of hardware to support the Windows 10 implementation for IT. The Unit continues to support procurements of differing values and complexities across Council Services.
The Social Value Improvement Officer has now taken up post with the Inclusive Growth Project, linked with the Procurement Unit and work has now commenced on development and implementation of the first actions, including the setting up of officer workshops to build knowledge and awareness of social value, and work with officers on the development of a guidance framework, linking social value outcomes with Council priorities.
As a result of recent procurement exercises, two new officers are joining the Unit over the next couple of weeks. These are career graded posts to develop professionally qualified officers, in line with the Council’s commitment to social value. A 144
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TOURISM AND THE VISITOR ECONOMY:
We now have the Tourism research for 2018. Main results show there has been uplift in the overall tourism economy in Calderdale by 1.4% (349m from 344m in 2017). Compared to 2017, the volume of inbound overnight trips rose by 10%. In total, it is estimated that around £72.5 million was spent by all overnight visitors on their trip to Calderdale in 2018, a rise of 5%. The visitor economy supported an estimated 6,958 Actual Jobs, an increase of 1.5% compared to 2017.
The E bikes are now in action at Hebden Bridge and will be launched in the New Year.
Streets in the sky tours will start later this month at Halifax Borough Market.
10% discount incentive is being offered to all council staff throughout Nov/Dec in order to help drive footfall into the tourist info centres over the festive period.
INCLUSIVE ECONOMY STRATEGY AND BUSINESS RATE POOL PROJECT IN PARK AND WARLEY:
The Inclusive Economy Team is now in place with the exception of the Enterprise Advisor role. Key aspects of the work are now underway including:
• The Change Programme – designed specifically to support jobseekers with disabilities and long – term health conditions who faced significant barriers in looking for, and keeping, work. Creating 50 x 26 week paid internships to support people into work.
• Employment Worker based at Halifax Opportunities Trust will be working with the team to provided targeted support with residents in the area.
• Work Wellness Adviser working from GP surgeries supporting unemployed people to build confidence and skills to enter the world of learning and/or work.
A Local Steering Group has been set up with the first meeting taking place in November. The Steering Group will be responsible for making decisions around what approaches to take to fund innovative solutions and address identified gaps for Park and Warley wards to improve the economic activity of residents.
MAJOR PROJECTS:
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The Council’s “Grow Our Own” Project Management Training programme is progressing well and three of the five participants have now completed their Association of Project Managers (APM) exams. All are now qualified to PRINCE 2 Foundation level. Three staff have been successful in gaining permanent project management positions. All the participants have worked extremely hard to achieve these qualifications alongside their day jobs and I congratulate them.
The West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund team have finalised Design & Build tender documentation for the A629 Phase 1b (Calder & Hebble) project. They expect to release the tender to the market w/c 11th of November. Work continues on revisions to the design for the A629 Phase 2 project (Halifax town Centre). At present the team are finalising details to enable a revised planning application to be submitted.
The professional team has now been assembled to create the Mixenden Hub development, comprising doctors’ surgery, library and retail facilities. Tenders are currently being developed and we expect to launch the procurement in January.
The next stage of design has now commenced for the Halifax Leisure Centre and the team are currently preparing to launch a further consultation process. Significant work to lever in further external funding and to enhance the environmental performance of the design is ongoing.
The Northgate 6th Form development continues to progress and much of the work is now complete. The project is now entering a critical phase, where external and internal details are finalised/completed and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are commissioned. The project team expect the development to be complete in December.
STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE:
The highlights for Strategic Infrastructure include:
• Appy Parking coming on line which will take users direct to a vacant parking place within Halifax town centre reducing overall traffic flows and improving air quality.
• Around three quarters of our road resurfacing and surface dressing programme has been completed including Stainland Road (valued at £400k), Wood Lane (£100k) and Rycroft Lane (£100k). On the Rycroft Lane project our engineers have trialled a new product which it is anticipated will provide much better longevity as it is specifically designed to allow concrete roads to be surfaced. The £750k surface dressing programme is also virtually complete.
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• Our work on the £2.5M A6033 road safety project is now well advanced, with an expected completion date of summer 2020. Works carried out so far include, bend widening and resurfacing works on Keighley Road and further resurfacing works on Rochdale Road.
• The LED project continues at pace with approximately 50% of our stock, some 15,000 units, now being successfully transferred to LED.
• In early November we were notified that our £3M ESIF bid for flood works and environmental works in Brighouse had been successful.
BUSINESS AND SKILLS:
The Business & Skills Team began delivering a 12 month Work Wellness pilot scheme. The programme was designed to use a social prescribing model to help people with health issues that are preventing them from returning to work. By working closely with the GP at Beechwood Medical Centre and local employers the Work Wellness Advisor can support people back to work and relieve some of the strain on local GP services. Gemma Watkins has been so successful in her Work Wellness role that she was nominated for a National Awards In Primary Care (NAPC) “Best Newcomer” award. NAPC is a leading membership organisation representing the interests of primary care professionals. Well done Gemma.
HUMAN RESOURCES/ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
Our Council, Our Stars
The hard work and dedication of Calderdale Council staff, volunteers and local partner organisations was celebrated at an awards ceremony on Thursday 7 November.
The Council held its annual Our Stars awards event to recognise the amazing efforts of #talented Calderdale staff and partners over the last year.
Recognition was given to Simon Nendick, Facilities Support Officer, who sadly passed away last week, in honour of his contribution to the Council over many years. A minute’s silence was held at the event and colleagues paid tribute to his hard work for the Council and reflected on how he will be missed by all who knew him.
Our Stars award winners:
The award winners are as follows:
Distinctiveness:
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Creating a distinctive Borough – Laura Johansen, Cultural Development Manager;
Collaborative working - Together Housing and Mytholm Meadows - Carly Buckley and Mytholm Care Team and highly commended: Calderdale Road Safety Delivery Group.
Enterprising and Talented:
Rising Star - Lauren Foulger, Commercial Solicitor;
Enterprising - Aftab Hussain, Young People’s Service and highly commended: Steve Barnes, School Safeguarding Advisor.
Outstanding Leadership - Jez Tweed, Environmental Management Officer and highly commended: Martin Winter, Waste and Recycling Manager.
Kindness and Resilience:
Volunteer of the Year - Rachel Hanks, Mixenden Activity Centre;
Team of the Year - Museums Service Team;
Outstanding Act of Kindness –
Andrea Fawthrop and the North and East Youth Work Team;
Aftab Hussain, Young People’s Service;
Bereavement Services; and
James Glossop, Libraries.
Chief Executive and Leader Awards:
Chief Executive’s Award - The Elections team.
Leader’s Award - Peter Vardy, Events and Licensing Officer
Staff Annual Wellbeing Event
Dame Carol Black opened our second Wellbeing event in the Town Hall in October.
The 2019 surpassed the 2018 event with nearly 150 staff, guests and partner organisation in attendance. Workshops included:
• Children and emotional wellbeing; the link session;
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• Working and ageing well with good mental health;
• Mindfulness and sleep session;
• Resilience session;
• Money matters session; and
• Menopause session.
The feedback for this important work was overwhelmingly positive.
LEGAL SERVICES AND DEMOCRATIC SERVICES:
The only place to start is with the wonderful recognition given to the Elections Team at the Our Stars event on 7th November. The team was awarded the Chief Executive’s Award in recognition of the significant, but largely unseen, contribution to the fundamentally important democratic processes undertaken throughout the year. That happens every year of course but in recent times the team, superbly led by Michelle Brown, has reacted to the need to hold unexpected elections in an unflappable, efficient and well organised way!
Also at the Our Stars event was recognition of a Rising Star in Lauren Foulger, a Commercial Solicitor in Legal Services. Lauren was commended on her conscientious approach to the role she plays in a very busy team and her unfailing support, helpfulness and commitment to client departments and to colleagues.
FINANCE:
Since my previous report to Council the second revenue monitoring report has been considered by Cabinet which demonstrates the significant budget pressures in the current year particularly around all age disability services and external children’s placements. Budget challenge sessions are being held with directors to identify ways in which these pressures can be addressed. At the same time, officers are waiting for an announcement of the local government finance settlement for confirmation of the amount of funding which will be available to the Council in 2020/21 to inform the budget process. This announcement was expected in early December but has now been delayed.
Corporate Performance, Business Intelligence and Transformation
Since the last report to full Council, our Transformation team has continued to support a number of Council services on projects to implement transformation, improved customer journeys and other operational efficiencies from the better use of technology and data. These have included services such as Business Rates, Enforcement A 149
COUNCIL, 20th November 2019 and a review of printing across the council. The team are also working with other senior colleagues/officers and partner organisations with our focus on public sector reform, and the innovative work with Public Square looking at new local engagement.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:
Medical Interoperability
We are nearing completion of the development work on the medical interoperability between the Calderdale and Huddersfield Foundation Trust (CHFT) electronic patient records system and our own in house Social Care system. From January 2020 CHFT will start to include the integration within their patient care records.
Windows 10/Virtual Desktops
We have completed the migration of all compatible laptops to Windows 10. The hardware for our new virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is on site and installed into the data centre. The suppliers have completed the installation and configuration of the hardware and software.
Libraries Public Access PCs
We have ordered new PCs and monitors for use by the public in our libraries. The new Windows 10 devices should be easier to use and faster than the devices they replace. The new monitors are bigger and better equipped for presenting modern digital media and information.
PSN
This is a key piece of work in relation to Cyber Security. In early August our PSN submission was accepted and we were granted our compliance certificate which is valid until August 2020. Work continues to ensure we maintain the required standard to protect the Council from cyber threats.
IT Service Desk
During September and October we resolved 5450 requests that were logged with our IT Service Desk.
Councillor Greenwood referred to the amended Local Plan and enquired if her report had been taken into account regarding green field and wildlife areas? Councillor Scullion confirmed that the report had been taken into account and that there would be further opportunities for detailed consultations and for Members to submit their objections/observations prior to the Local Plan being passed to the inspectorate.
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Councillor Robinson wished to thank the Director, Regeneration and Strategy, Mr Mark Thompson who was retiring in 2020 for all his hard work on the flooding works done within the Borough. Was the Council continuing to invest in the Libraries? Councillor Scullion responded that the Council was committed to investing in Library provision within the Borough. As part of that process the fabric of the buildings was reviewed as the safety of the public was paramount. For example Elland Library has recently been closed whilst the building was repaired and refurbished and Todmorden Library had just begun its refurbishment programme.
Councillor Hutchinson advised that when the Christmas trees went up in the Piece Hall the Council commenced to look at next years budgets and enquired when the Council would receive details of the Local Government Finance Settlement? Councillor Scullion advised that due to the General Election the details of the Local Government Finance Settlement had been delayed but were now expected to be received over the Festive period. In the meantime they could only best guess what the settlement would be.
(ii) Public Services and Communities Councillor Press, Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities submitted a written report on the work she had carried out since the last meeting of the Council as follows:
Customer Services
Tackling Poverty in Calderdale – Cabinet approved the first Annual Report at their meeting earlier this month. The report includes some inspiring case studies which highlight the positive impact that the work of the Council and our partners is having on individuals and families who are living in poverty. Our latest Anti Poverty Seminar in early November, brought together over 50 professionals working directly with people in poverty in Calderdale, to focus on employment and training
The latest Index of Multiple Deprivation figures (IMD) 2019, which shows where gaps have widened and whilst the IMD are not directly comparable as they look back over four years they do give us a greater imperative to focus on this work.
We recognise there is still more to do, as the impacts of austerity and welfare reform continue to bring challenges for our most vulnerable residents. We have introduced earlier and more targeted assistance for those most in need, through our Early Advice & Support Team (EAST).
We have received praise from our third sector partners for the simple and effective dashboard of statistics that we have developed. This shows the impact of poverty across the Borough and enable these A 151
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Within the Council we continue to support people with Discretionary Housing Payments and demand remains high for this financial support to help keep people in their homes.
Emergency Living Support and Community Living Support, awarded through the growth monies agreed by Cabinet last year, continues to be used to help people in crisis, such as those fleeing domestic violence or needing essential furniture and white goods.
Hate Crime - Our Cohesion and Equality Team, supported the Hate Crime Partnership with another successful event during Hate Crime Awareness week, on 16th October. The seminar was really well attended and raised understanding of what constitutes a hate crime, the impact that such crimes have on the victim, their family and the wider community.
The seminar was timely given the growth of hate crime with reported incidents having risen 57% in the aftermath of the EU referendum vote. In response the Government has committed extra funding for the Crown Prosecution Service to deal with the number of hate-based attacks. A report will be considered by Cabinet at our December meeting, which will outline the Councils ongoing work in this area.
Neighbourhoods
Christmas is coming …
We are continuing to work with Suez, our Waste and Recycling contractor, to make sure we are geared up for the festive period, a time when, , we are faced with much higher levels of waste and recycling than at any other time of year.
For example, we collected 32% more food waste, 83% more glass and 104% more cardboard over the Christmas period last year.
Extra vehicles and staff are on standby to help crews complete their rounds; we will prioritise recycling as that’s where we have experienced most issues in the past; and we will post regular updates for residents on the web site and through social media.
Calendars will be delivered to households later this month (and will be downloadable online from December) showing collection days over the festive period. These will also spell out ways in which residents can help the recycling crews, such as by putting recycling out every week rather than all at once after Christmas, and squashing cans and plastic to fit more in the white sack and then sealing it with the Velcro fastening to stop things blowing around in windy weather. A 152
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Waste efficiencies …
Back in April Cabinet agreed a new approach to deal with some Council waste streams more efficiently, both environmentally and financially. Acumen Waste Services will now handle the street sweeping material collected across the Borough and the process will ensure recycling or recovery of over 95% of this waste, meaning less than 5% will go to landfill. At the same time, the contract will ease pressures on stretched budgets, with initial indications of savings being very significant, running into hundreds of thousands of pounds.
A new contract has also been put in place for the supply of skips required in various parks, depots and cemeteries throughout Calderdale. Once operational, the contract will also allow all services to access set prices for different sizes of skips, again saving money through a single, coordinated approach.
Remembering the fallen …
Park Wood Crematorium unveiled a special Garden of Remembrance in time for this year’s commemorations. The Poppy Garden is a tranquil space in the grounds of the crematorium where people can remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for their country during conflicts.
The garden is watched over by a near life-size silhouette of a First World War ‘Tommy’, known as the Silent Soldier.
AppyParking goes live …
From Monday 4 November, people wanting to park in Halifax have been able to use the “Appy Parking” app to easily find parking spaces and make cash-free payments, both on-street and in Council car parks.
Those who download the app can see ‘real time’ availability of parking spaces, using smart parking sensors which have been installed across the town. This allows users to check where it is best to park before the start of their journey, reducing the distance travelled and time spent trying to find parking.
Following the minimum ticket duration (which is either half an hour or an hour depending on location), charging takes place by the minute rather than for each hour, and charges will end automatically as the car leaves the bay. There is an additional 30p convenience charge made by AppyParking for making payments through the app.
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The initiative not only aims to improve the customer experience of parking in Halifax for residents and visitors, but also supports key Council objectives around tackling congestion and improving air quality as it reduces the need for people to drive around looking for parking spaces, particularly at busy periods, thereby reducing engine idling and improving air quality.
Usage of the app has been steadily rising since it was first launched and we will now be working on introducing cashless parking opportunities across the whole Borough, with these hopefully being in place by early in the New Year.
Free festive parking …
Christmas is traditionally the busiest time of year for local businesses and to encourage shoppers to enjoy a Calderdale Christmas we’re once again offering free Saturday parking in car parks across the Borough.
Free parking in selected town centre car parks started on Saturday 16 November, giving people the chance to enjoy the many light switch-on events and other festive treats on offer.
In Halifax the car parks are:
• Crosshills car park
• High Street car park
• Mulcture Hall Road car park
• Victoria Street car park
And in the other towns they are:
• Brighouse - Parsonage Lane car park
• Hebden Bridge - Garden Street car park
• Sowerby Bridge - Tuel Lane car park
• Todmorden - Bramsche Square car park
• Elland - Timber Street car park.
There will also be free on-street parking in Halifax from 3pm every Thursday from 28 November up until Christmas, to support the late night shopping available in the town centre. On-street charges will also remain suspended in Brighouse town centre until Monday 6 January 2020. A 154
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All other parking restrictions, both on-street and in car parks, will remain in place during these times.
Autumn challenges…
Another seasonal issue is leaf fall and the potential for blocked gullies. Our fleet of sweepers (2 large and 4 small) is supplemented by an additional large sweeper in autumn and all are now fully engaged in a coordinated programme of leaf clearance with our Safer, Cleaner, Greener area teams.
This started a few weeks ago and will continue until the trees have shed all their leaves. The size of the task is illustrated by the fact that we estimate we collect over 900 tonnes of leaves and associated waste matter each year.
We have pre-planned routes based upon as assessment of where the problems are most acute, in terms of the amount of leaf fall and the potential for surface water flooding, but we will always try to deploy our resources on a reactive basis to deal with any issues reported.
However, it is important to distinguish between blocked gullies, which do require a Gully Wagon to clear them, and blinded gullies, which can often simply be cleared by local residents with a brush or dealt with by our area teams as part of street cleaning activity. With almost 40,000 gullies to maintain across 140 square miles, we need to use our specialist resources wisely and we will continue to do so to reduce the threat from the inclement weather we experience at this time of year.
Once again staff from a range of services have had to rise to the considerable challenges posed by heavy rainfall in the Borough. They have worked together with other agencies to successfully prevent any significant flooding issues over the past couple of weeks, though the A646 at Callis Bridge has had to be closed for a short period of time. I’d like to thank everyone involved, particularly those who are out on the ground dealing with surface water and drainage problems, often in wet, windy and dark conditions. Calderdale was not as badly affected as South Yorkshire, which experienced devastating flooding, and I am pleased to say that we have been able to respond positively to a request for mutual aid from Doncaster by sending one of our experienced Emergency Planners to assist with their response and recovery efforts.
Councillor Baker advised that Fireworks were enjoyable around bonfire night. However fireworks were now being let off inappropriately all the time in both private and public spaces in certain areas of Calderdale. Could the Council provide enforcement in the public spaces and also promote the use of silent fireworks in order to ensure a balance between allowing the use of fireworks but minimising disruption to other A 155
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residents. Councillor Press responded that issues with the use of fireworks came up every year for enforcement and was constantly monitored by the Enforcement Team and requested that Councillor Baker put his concerns in writing to her and she would respond and provide information on the complaints that had been received this year.
Councillor Baines MBE referred to his request at the previous meeting of Council for information on fly-tipping enforcement and advised that he had not yet received a response. Councillor Press apologised for the oversight and advised that she would have the information sent to him.
(Councillor Fenton-Glynn declared an interest as he was a Member of the Round Table and was involved in the organisation of the largest bonfire event in Calderdale).
(iii) Public Health and Cohesion Councillor Shoukat, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Cohesion submitted a written report on the work he had carried out since the last Council meeting as follows:
Voluntary Sector
On 31st October 2019 we submitted our final partnership proposal with the Community Foundation for Calderdale and the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure (VSI) Alliance and other key local Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations to set up a Local Access Fund for Calderdale. We will be hosting a visit by the fund assessors on 26 November. If successful this will give us a social finance fund and grant funding to support enterprise and growth in the VCSE sector in Calderdale.
We have been working with colleagues in Public Services on an update of the Anti Poverty Action Plan that was reported to Cabinet on 1 November. Since the plan was launched in April 2019, we have been running a series of partnership events exploring the various aspects of the plan: housing, education, employment & training and food poverty. We hosted the latest Anti-Poverty Partnership Event on 7 November. This event focussed on the Employment and Training theme with speakers talking about work already underway in Calderdale, discussion about what was working, challenges and opportunities, for the future in this area, and a market place showcasing projects supporting people into work and training.
We are planning a community workshop event on 3rd December 2019 for the VCSE sector with colleagues in our green economy team on tackling climate change in Calderdale. We will be looking at project ideas and how we can collaborate and also talking to groups about the potential for them to work with us to access funds to help the sector adapt and respond to the Climate Emergency. A 156
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Cohesion
The Council organised a seminar on ‘Tackling Hate Crime’ to support national Hate Crime Awareness Week 2019 in October. Over 120 delegates attended to address issues such as barriers to reporting including a focus on sexual orientation reporting and prosecutions. Our commitment to Hate Crime continues to be drives through the Partnership and our support to the West Yorkshire Police Scrutiny Meeting.
Calderdale Council has signed up to support the national the Cohesion and Integration Network – known as Belong. Belong Calderdale will be launched in the new year to increase activity and sharing of good practice on integration and cohesion. Working with partners from across West Yorkshire and nationally Calderdale will continue to be at the forefront of good practice on cohesion.
Delivery of our Cohesive Communities Strategy is underway with resources in place to build capacity of the Inter Faith Council, a small grant programme about to launch to support the voice of marginalised women, additional English Speakers for Other Languages (ESOL) is in place to help new arrivals to Calderdale to integrate, a project with a local school to support the achievement of Roma children and the expansion of the School Twinning Programme. Calderdale recently achieved its best results in a year on cohesion in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) survey – and achievement in the current climate.
Public Health
Calderdale MBC has become a signature of the Prevention Concordat for Better Mental Health. The concordat news was publically announced on 25th October by Public Health England and Calderdale social media. The concordat application was supported by the members of the Health and Wellbeing Board (H&WB) in the prevention and promotion of good mental health. Public Health England (PHE) was particularly impressed by the partnership work undertaken in Calderdale on mental health.
Calderdale Public health have led and secured £30,000 across Yorkshire and Humber to investigate effective interventions for adults who self-harm.
The Active Imaginations pilot was launched to promote the UK Chief Medical Officers 180 minutes of physical activity for under 5s. The campaign features a website with change4Life branding and video clips with ideas for active play outdoors and indoors.
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Coverage on https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/health/calderdale- children-first-to-try-new-initiative-to-help-parents-get-their-kids-active-1- 10021453
A further 10 people are being trained to be Breastfeeding peer supporters. There are currently 30 active volunteers providing support via home visits, ward visits and telephone supporter.
Healthy Start vitamins
The distribution of the Healthy Start vitamins is being piloted at four Children’s Centres in Calderdale; Elland Illingworth Jubilee and Todmorden. Families eligible for the vitamins can exchange their coupons for adult (women’s) vitamins and children’s vitamins. Posters promoting the vitamins have been sent to all Children’s Centres, GP practices, Council libraries, sports centres and customer first, also the women’s centre and the women’s refugee.
The Brunswick Centre, Calderdale’s HIV prevention and support service were invited to present at the British HIV Association (BHIVA) conference in October. The BWC brought the house down with their presentation on “how can smaller urban and rural communities also achieve zero HIV-related stigma, infections and deaths by 2030? “. The Brunswick Centre, Calderdale’s HIV prevention and support provider have been short-listed down to the last 20 out of 400 charities for the Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) awards. HIV testing week commences on Saturday 16th November.
Calderdale has numerous activities and promotions developed as part of the revised Healthy Futures Calderdale offer to CYP, community- based school nurse-led drop-ins are being piloted in children’s centres in North Halifax and Todmorden (alongside existing family support worker drop-ins), and from Broad Street (alongside the YP sexual health drop-in). The first event, in North, was a massive success, resulting in four separate referrals into the health visiting or school nursing service for further support.
Healthy Futures Calderdale school nurse led drop-ins will be rolled out to all secondary schools from January. Schools have welcomed this news, and are working closely with the school nursing team to ensure that the drop-ins meet the needs of their pupils. To allow for this offer to be further tailored, to meet the needs of young people, a focus group has taken place with young people from the Youth Council and a further focus group have been arranged with pupils from Park Lane.
Healthy Futures Calderdale “Supporting Schools” event on 24th October at Brighouse High. This event gave school health and wellbeing leads the opportunity to find out about the support available to schools and pupils from HFC, and also to shape the support we A 158
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provide to schools going forward. The event was well-attended, and feedback was positive. Schools have requested that this become an annual event.
Cabinet agreed on the 4th November 2019 to adopt the Local Government Healthy Weight Declaration. A cross directorate working party will be established to deliver on commitments.
Carl Stevenson Manager at Summerfield House Residential Home has been nominated for the Food for Life Served Here & Green Kitchen Standard Awards 2019 Healthcare Champion Award. Winners will be announced at the celebration evening on the 15th November 2019 at London’s Living Room, City Hall, London.
A new gambling support service is now operational at the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in Halifax. It provides:
- Single point of access
- Training for front-line workers
- Access to free money and debt advice
Public health spoke at the official launch on 11 November.
Health and Well Being Board submitted response to the Prevention Green Paper.
The latest findings from the national physical activity monitoring indicates that Calderdale has lowered levels of inactivity by 5% over the past three years. Applying this percentage to the adult population shows that some 8000 more people are involved in activity than previously estimated.
Calderdale has submitted our pathfinder application to Sport England to draw down some £2.6 million to increase levels of activity. The bid was co created by community groups, public services and key individuals. We expect to hear the outcome in late December.
(v) Children and Young People’s Services Councillor Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services submitted a written report on the work he had carried out since the last Council meeting as follows:
It has felt like an extraordinarily busy time for Children and Young People (CYP) in the past couple of months and like the Orangebox has been my second home over the past week! I chaired an inspirational Corporate Parenting Panel meeting there which was in part led by some of our young people who are looked after. It was a fun interactive A 159
COUNCIL, 20th November 2019 session that really helped those present to gain an insight into the often complex lives that they lead. We received a paper on unregulated placements, as this is something that has gained much media attention in the past couple of months. West Yorkshire Police are auditing all unregulated homes in the region, which we welcome, and we are confident that we have our own robust quality assurance processes in place. In Calderdale such placements are only offered to those over 16 and can be a step towards independence.
I also attended the Youth Awards at the Orangebox which was an entertaining event organised by our Youth Council. It recognised the achievements of some of the young people from throughout the borough and showcased their talents as both musicians and comedians! I was struck by the diversity of the young people involved.
And I was at the Orangebox yet again last week to give evidence to the scrutiny review of the youth service. Members on the working group provided some robust challenge and I look forward to seeing the outcome of their work. I know they have been visiting various youth centres to get a better understanding of what is on offer around the borough and I had the pleasure of visiting The Space @ Field Lane myself recently to see their fantastic recently renovated facilities.
In other youth service news, the Youth Council Convention was held at Halifax Town Hall last month and I attended with Julie Jenkins, Holly Lynch and local environmental campaigner Anthony Rae. It really was inspirational to see and hear so many young people from around the region being engaged in politics and democracy. We spoke about our various roles and were questioned on issues such as Brexit, climate change and the challenges of social media.
On the same day I dropped into the Early Years SEND conference at the former Heath School site. It was good to meet a number of our staff for the first time to discuss the impact of their work and to be able to congratulate them on the outcome of our recent joint SEND Ofsted inspection. We discussed some of the ongoing challenges that were highlighted in the Ofsted report.
We have run three CYP roadshow events in the past month to engage with as many staff and partners as possible. This was an opportunity for them to meet me and our new Assistant Directors and for us to set out our vision for children and young people in the borough. We have also set up a new staff recognition scheme to recognise some of the hard work put in by people throughout the service. I was delighted that we received so many nominations and pleased to announce that our winners for our first month were Lennox Cadore for his work with the Youth Offending Team and Linden Brook Team who picked up the team award. It was great to celebrate the work of our staff and I look forward to seeing the nominations for next month.
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I spent a day shadowing members of the Public Health Early Years Service to get a better understanding of their work. This included meeting the health visitors team to discuss their work, attending a very busy baby clinic at one of our children’s centres and then moving on to the baby cafe breastfeeding clinic which has been relocated to the new library.
At the start of October I attended a two day Local Government Association (LGA) CYP Leadership Course which was very useful and informative. It was good to meet other Lead Members from across the country and discuss common issues that we are all facing. Topics up for discussion included, budget pressures including the high needs block and external placements, the use of performance data and the new arrangements for Safeguarding Children Partnerships. Locally we were an early adopter for the new safeguarding board arrangements and there was a conference in October at the Shay stadium to enable stakeholders to discuss how well they are working and how new and emerging risks for young people - such as county lines gangs - are being tackled. We have gained national recognition for the work we are doing locally but we are keen to learn more and to ensure all partners are working together effectively to safeguard our children.
Councillor Wilkinson thanked Members for signing the Children Looked After and Care Leavers Pledges and the Children Looked After and Care Leavers for their presentation. He advised that Children and Young Peoples Services had been shortlisted in the Local Government Awards in the Special Needs – Children’s Category which would be judged at the end of November 2019 and there was to be a “Lion King” themed celebration event to be held the following week at the Shay, Halifax to which all Members were invited to attend.
Councillor Courtney referred to the recent Youth Awards ceremony and enquired if Members could be advised of and invited to future events? Councillor Wilkinson advised that the event had been organised by the Youth Council and that he would ensure that all Members be invited to future events. The evening had been good and the Young Persons presenting had done very well.
Councillor Porritt referred to an event being held in her ward the following week at Brooksbank School regarding education costings and advised that the Boroughs Members of Parliament had been invited to attend. There was currently a predicted shortfall of £8m in funding for education in Calderdale. What day to day impact would this have on schools? Councillor Wilkinson advised that the total money cut for education was £39.4 million. If only the money promised was forthcoming 4 out of 5 schools within the Borough would be worse off. There had been 10 years of austerity which had resulted in schooldays cut shorter, subjects not being taught, staff numbers cut, teachers paying for resources out of their own pocket which had resulted in a A 161
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devastating impact on education. After 9 years of underfunding the funding being promised was a drop in the ocean.
Councillor Bellenger advised he had recently attended a Reg 41 visit. He had noticed that there had been a large increase in the number of teenage children entering the service as they were having issues at home with their parents/guardians. There did not appear to be any support available for parents/guardians. What could the Council do to support families to prevent teenagers having to enter the service? Councillor Wilkinson responded that there was the “Sleep on It” service as part of the residential service for teenagers who needed space and a break from their family. If Councillor Wilkinson put his concerns in writing a written response would be provided.
(vi) Adult Services and Wellbeing Councillor Metcalfe, Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Wellbeing submitted a written report on the work he had carried out since the last meeting of the Council as follows:
Housing
Hebble House, a block of 12 apartments in Holmfield was developed on a speculative basis by Places for People, and has remained empty for 12 months.
Following negotiation, 12 tenants with learning disability or mental health need will be moving in to these apartments by the end of this month. Currently living in unsuitable, outdated accommodation, this is a great opportunity to experience good quality housing and increase their independence.
Our commissioners are also working with Highstone Homes to develop new accommodation for people returning from area college placements and a small group currently placed out of area. Families are being involved to ensure the needs of the prospective tenants can be met.
Visitors from South Korea to Adult Care Services
I was contacted “out of the blue” by an education consultancy in Leeds who specialise in arranging visits for clients from South Korea.
They wished to arrange a visit for social workers and government employees from the city of Chuncheon who would like to learn how community care works in a well-established local adult social care team at a local council level in the UK.
What was especially complimentary was, with all the country to approach them they contacted Calderdale following an article in the Municipal Journal evaluating our Team as one of the top 10 adult social teams in the UK. A 162
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The visit took place on October 24th and a party of ten with an interpreter arrived at the Orange Box. Following a welcome a series of presentations from our staff followed the customer journey from first contact to provision of care and support took place.
This was a great opportunity to showcase all the good work our Adult Social Work Teams undertake, which was fully appreciated by our overseas visitors. Their feedback was they found the event insightful and informative as well as being enjoyable. (I did encourage them to visit the Piece Hall.
A very big thank you to all our staff for their time and effort they put in preparing for the visit and their contributions on the day.
Care/Nursing Homes Update
A small number of homes are continuing to show some concerns and the Council continue to work closely to support these homes, with the CCG as appropriate.
One home, White Windows whom the council have worked with for some months on improvement measures is seeing the service transferring to another provider, Valorum Care, at the end of November. This provider has purchased a number of other care homes in Calderdale and standards have seen improvements. A meeting is in place with this provider for us to understand their plans and share key issues moving forward.
Always pleasing to see the support work we provide shows real improvements following CQC re-inspections. The national position regarding the financial stability of many of the biggest care home providers must cause concern with 24 of the biggest currently on the market for sale, with no buyers yet found. There has also been quite a lot of media coverage regarding the profit taking by hedge funds out of fees paid.
Calderdale Learning Disabilities Partnership Board (CLDP)
There have been two meetings of CLDP held at Ravenscliffe Spring Hall since the last council meeting, both very well attended.
As usual both had full and interesting agendas and to me highlights were :-
• Ian Gledhill from our Elections Team discussing how to register to vote, especially encouraging young people to register. Ian also explained there has been creative support to help people understand the voting procedure.
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• A presentation was given on the 2019-20 Flu Campaign guidance to increase uptake and awareness. In particular it has been shown that problems relating to breathing are a major cause of death for people with learning disabilities. Carers can also have a free flu jab.
• A presentation on employment for people with LD in getting into work. For Calderdale in 2017/18 only 8% people with LD were in full time work. Slightly better than there national average at 6%, but shows the enormous challenge faced. Suggested the 22 providers locally helping people to get jobs but who are all competing with same employers might need some pulling together. The links into Vision 2024 important. A draft strategy is programmed to come to CLDP in the New Year.
• College staff has been helping around 70 students settle into college life and the Employability and Life Skills Course. Great to see that so many young adults with a learning disability now choose Calderdale College as their destination. Showing a big increase from only a few years ago.
New dementia data for Calderdale
The Alzheimer’s Society has this week published new data developed with the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre at the LSE.
Locally this research shows a projection that there will be almost 4000 people over 65 living with dementia by 2030. This is an astonishing increase of 42% on the number currently estimated living with dementia now in Calderdale.
The projection for all England is for over one million people, a 40% increase.
These stark figures show even more the need for urgent radical reform of adult social care.
I recently attended along with the Chief Executive and staff delegates a training session of a Mobile Virtual Dementia Tour. An understatement to say it was quite a challenging experience. Members may have read a recent press release explaining more on this.
Our Support in Mind Team continues to receive numerous compliments about the good work they do with people who have dementia. An example from a social worker who feels they go the extra mile:-
“CG is experiencing a new lease of life thanks to support of the SIM Team. Exceptional outcomes are been achieved with a relatively small care package are vital in maintaining her wellbeing and independence.’’
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Councillor Dacre referred to the forecast 42% increase of people living with Dementia in Calderdale by 2030. For Calderdale what challenges does this increase present and what plans does the Council have for dealing with these challenges? Councillor Metcalfe advised that the revised figures were alarming and were reflected country wide. The information gathered by the Council had been passed to the Commissioners of the Alzheimer’s Society who had recently published a manifesto on Dementia and it was important Members read this document. The green paper on Dementia was now over 1,000 days overdue and needed to be raised up the political agenda.
(vii) Climate Change and Environment Councillor Patient, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment submitted a written report on the work he had carried out since the last Council meeting as follows:
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TEAM
• The new Cabinet Climate Working Party meeting has recommended that the Calderdale Borough becomes Carbon Neutral by 2038 or sooner and that the Council itself be Carbon Neutral by 2030, and this proposal will be considered by Cabinet in December 19
• Calderdale Clinical Commissioning Group and Slow the Flow have joined the Cabinet Climate Working Party to join existing Members and co-optees such as Friends of the Earth, Pennine Community Power, Together Housing and Newground. We are looking to expand membership further for greater diversity.
• The Climate Emergency Website launched in September highlighting 4 big areas: Transport; Food; Communities and people; Resilience and carbon reduction; we plan to add Biodiversity to this list to accurately convey the themes unique to Calderdale.
• Climate emergency took centre stage during the September themed social media week: Nearly 120 climate emergency messages on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram reached over 127,000 people, and 3,550 residents, organisations and community groups got involved by posting, commenting, sharing and liking.
• “Making Sense of the Climate Emergency” – Carbon training programme for Council staff is being launched 28th November 2019.
• The Victoria Theatre will no longer sell or allow distracting, single - use plastic flashing toys at the panto. Instead, higher-quality toys such as hand puppets will be available.
• A Carbon Audit of Council services is being launched by the end of November to better understand how the Councils own operations can reduce carbon emissions. A 165
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• Officer Climate Emergency forum will launch before the end of 2019 to coordinate the Council’s own carbon reduction plans.
• Expression of Interest entered for National Lottery Climate Action Fund (funding for Community projects) An event will take place on the 3rd of December, Hebden Bridge town Hall to bring together key community projects to bid and feed back into the action plan. Up to 2.5M is available Please pass this on to any groups or individuals
• A big Congratulations to Jez Tweed from This team for all his hard work on the Climate Agenda in general and a well-deserved win for Leadership at the Annual “Our Stars” Calderdale Council awards.
• The next Fridays for Future General Strike is on the 29th November – we hope to support this in some way.
TRANSPORT
The vehicle which is currently used for official Mayoral duties needs to be replaced in March 2020 as its lease is coming to an end.
This is an opportunity for the Council to lead by example with regard to the Climate Emergency and the public health issues arising from poor air quality.
Therefore, after discussion with the Civic Advisory Group, it has been agreed that the new Mayoral vehicle will be a Hyundai Ioniq fully electric car.
The car will be based at Battinson Road Depot where it will be plugged in to a wall charger to give the car a maximum range of 194 miles from its battery.
As the car is fully electric, it will not only save the Council money in terms of fuel, but it will be much less costly to maintain due to electric vehicles having far fewer components to service.
The other obvious benefits the new car offers are the positive effect it has on the environment by reducing CO2 emissions from 143g/km in the Skoda to 40.5 g/km (from electricity generation) and a massive reduction in Nitrogen Oxide emissions from 660mg to zero.
It is also our intention to replace a further 24 or more diesel-fuelled fleet vehicles that are now reaching the end of their working life with new electric vehicles, thereby generating further savings on running costs, as well as real, positive benefits for the environment.
WYCA
I attended my first meeting of the Green Economy Panel At Drax in Selby to see their investment into sustainable and renewable energy. A 166
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WYCA has allocated 100k of Climate Emergency funding across the region and options are being put together as to how this would be best spent including:
Domestic energy efficiency, new innovative ways of – supporting new ways of collaborating
Utra low energy efficient charging infrastructure. To complement the 8 recently rolled out and the 10 or more promised at Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge Railway Car parks
Opportunity to share investment with other Local authorities to working towards public sector renewables.
Joint communications around carbon literacy training and the Climate Emergency.
And our general joint procurement in the authorities.
We explored ideas around creating a “Just Transition” for those communities who could be left behind during the switch to a more sustainable future. A more comprehensive report will be in the minutes of the next Climate Change working party.
FLOODING AND RESILENCE
Slow the Flow have recently completed an opportunity mapping exercise in Mytholmroyd based around potential SUDS projects for existing and developing sites for water attenuation, this can be found on their website and will hopefully encourage homeowners and develops to adopt some of these techniques where identified. They hope to roll out this project Borough wide and are looking for case studies to showcase best practice of where this has been successful.
We recently welcomed a further 20 Million of new flood funding money to add to the funds developing the Flood Alleviation schemes in Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge and Brighouse with a further 2 Million added to complete similar work in Sowerby Bridge.
The new Council NFM officer Ben Fenton is now in post. I hope we can all support his work in promoting good Natural Flood Management practice around Calderdale that we have become quite well-known for, balancing what communities can do with more hard engineering work.
A FINAL THOUGHT (OR 2)
Planning recently passed its first entirely Carbon Neutral building, this building passes RIBAs paragraph 79 criteria - again a first for Calderdale. Its innovative use of Carbon storage, Natural flood management techniques and new technologies will hopefully act as an A 167
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exemplar for al future innovative planning applications. This will need to be ratified by the secretary of State before building can commence.
Some of our Town and Parish Councils have declared “Climate Emergencies” and are on their way to developing action plans of their own. I have met with these groups with a view to working more closely and helping them create plans which speak specifically to address the needs of their particular areas.
Councillor Lynn advised that she was pleased that under the Re:fit Programme the street lamps were being replaced as they would contribute to the reduction in the Borough’s carbon footprint. Were there any other ideas in relation to Council property going forward to reduce the Borough’s carbon footprint further? Councillor Patient advised that he was also pleased with the progress made under the Re:fit Programme. At a recent meeting of the Cabinet Climate Change Working Party the Members had proposed that the Council move its target for the Borough to become Carbon Neutral by 2030. The Council was looking at all options for council heating and lighting systems to move towards being carbon neutral.
Councillor Sutherland advised that Councillor Patient had made a pledge to walk/cycle to meetings and appeared to be sticking to it. Could an update be provided on the future plans for the electrification of the Councils fleet of cars/buses. Councillor Patient advised that a Hyundai Ionic electric car had been ordered to replace the existing Mayors car and that a decision to replace the Council’s fleet of vehicles with electric vehicles when they were due for renewal had been determined at a meeting earlier in the month.
65 APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS AND SUBSTITUTE MEMBERS TO SERVE ON SCRUTINY BOARDS/PANELS AND COUNCIL COMMITTEES There were no appointments of Members and Substitute Members made to serve on Scrutiny Boards and Council Committees.
66 REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIES
Shareholder Committee – Local Councillors Bellenger and Benton Development Company One Year term of Office expiring in September 2020
Brooksbank Educational Charity Kath Schickell re-elected for a term of office expiring in March 2022
Karen Perry, Catherine Hirst and John Dyson re-elected for a term of office expiring in March 2023
Alan Blackburn be appointed a A 168
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Trustee
Bus Lane Adjudication Service Joint Councillor Hutchinson Committee one year term of office expiring in November 2020
North Dean Wood Charity Mr J Kaye re-appointed as a Trustee for a four year term of office expiring in December 2023
67 QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL UNDER COUNCIL RULE 13
(A) Question from Councillor Whittaker to Councillor T Swift MBE, Leader of the Council:
Further to my email and question at last full council regarding failings in service and communications by Highways, can the Leader of the Council please confirm when members can expect the peer review of this failing department to have produced its findings?
In response, Councillor T Swift MBE thanked her for her question and advised the recent Peer Review of the Highways Service has been completed, led by the Local Government Association. The finalised review report has been subject to a delay for reasons outside the Council’s control, but the high level findings have been shared and Group Leaders have been briefed.
The review highlights strengths and strong performance across a number of key areas, as will be known to the Conservative Group Leader, who attended the initial feedback session. These include how we have attracted unprecedented transport investment funding to the Borough, achieved excellent results on highway asset management planning, on flood resilience preparation, and delivery against key highways indicators. In areas such as flood response, we are seen as national leaders in the sector.
The review also identifies some areas for development and improvement, which we are addressing now. These include response to member and resident enquiries and the Director of Regeneration and Strategy recently wrote to all Councillors outlining the actions we are taking.
It is rather disappointing, if not unexpected given the timing of the Council meeting, that Cllr Whittaker is seeking to disparage the hard work of our Council staff, in the same week that we have been notified of our performance as one of the best Councils in the country. This is at a time of unprecedented demand for services, and huge reductions in budget from central government since 2010.
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highways peer review. I hope the opposition will work with us to support implementation of the plan, and join me in recognising the progress we have made as a Council in extremely challenging times over recent years.
(B) Question from Councillor Courtney to Councillor Scullion, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources.
I've been asked by a group of residents if Calderdale can buy the chimney at the Mytholm Works at Saville Rd, Hebden Bridge. Although it isn't listed and lies outside the conservation area, it is nonetheless a symbol of our industrial heritage.
While I understand the current financial situation means we need to be careful about taking on potential financial commitments, could I ask for the Council to consider this request?
The company that owns it, Setbray, are apparently prepared to spend the £20k it would cost them to demolish it on repairing it, which could see it good for the next few decades. Once done they would be prepared to sell it for a nominal sum.
I understand that in any case there would need to be a comprehensive survey carried out in order to assess the risk and the state of repair, and then to assess that the work Setbray are proposing to do is sufficient and appropriate.
In response, Councillor Scullion thanked her for her question and advised that I do understand the affection of residents for examples of Calderdale’s industrial heritage such as this chimney at Mytholm Works. They are part of the Borough’s history and contribute significantly to the character of our landscape.
Unfortunately they do constitute a liability as well as an asset. With chimneys, typically there are issues of general maintenance, pointing of stonework, sealing of the cap, lightning protection, and general health and safety issues including security and access. Some members might be aware that a little while ago the Council had to become involved in a chimney demolition which cost a quarter of a million pounds.
For all of these reasons, and considering the Council’s many existing obligations in respect of key buildings used to discharge our services, I cannot support the Council acquiring this chimney.
Having said that I wish well to those campaigning to save this structure and hope that some other mechanism might be found to preserve this feature in the Calder valley.
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68 MOTIONS UNDER COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 14
(A) NJC PAY TO COUNCIL – A FULLY FUNDED, PROPER PAY RISE FOR COUNCIL AND SCHOOL WORKERS
It was moved by Councillor Fenton-Glynn, Seconded by Councillor Press
This council notes
• Local government has endured central government funding cuts of nearly 50% since 2010. Calderdale MBC has lost £112 million p.a from its budget since 2010.
• The local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing 22 per cent of their value since 2009/10.
• Nationally, the local government workforce has reduced by 30%; in Calderdale by 32%.
• There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three quarters of the local government workforce.
This council believes
• That without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely upon would not be deliverable.
• That government funding has been cut to the extent that a proper pay rise could result in a reduction in local government services.
• The government needs to take responsibility and fully fund increases in pay; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding been cut to the bone.
This council resolves to
• Ask the Leader to write to the Chancellor and Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government workers to be funded with new money from central government.
• Ask the Leader to write to the Leader of the Local Government Association to make urgent representations to central government to fund the NJC pay claim.
• Support - in principle - the National Pay Claim submitted by GMB UNISON and Unite on behalf of council and school workers for a £10 per hour minimum wage and a 10 per cent uplift across all other pay points in 2020/21.
• Ask the Leader to write to local NJC union representatives to convey support for a fully funded NJC pay claim. A 171
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Councillors Scullion, Press, Baines, Benton, Sweeney, Hutchinson, Barnes, Taylor and Evans commented on the Motion.
RESOLVED that:
This council notes
• Local government has endured central government funding cuts of nearly 50% since 2010. Calderdale MBC has lost £112 million p.a from its budget since 2010.
• The local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing 22 per cent of their value since 2009/10.
• Nationally, the local government workforce has reduced by 30%; in Calderdale by 32%.
• There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three quarters of the local government workforce.
This council believes
• That without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely upon would not be deliverable.
• That government funding has been cut to the extent that a proper pay rise could result in a reduction in local government services.
• The government needs to take responsibility and fully fund increases in pay; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding been cut to the bone.
This council resolves to
• Ask the Leader to write to the Chancellor and Secretary of State to call for a pay increase for local government workers to be funded with new money from central government.
• Ask the Leader to write to the Leader of the Local Government Association to make urgent representations to central government to fund the NJC pay claim.
• Support - in principle - the National Pay Claim submitted by GMB UNISON and Unite on behalf of council and school workers for a £10 per hour minimum wage and a 10 per cent uplift across all other pay points in 2020/21.
• Ask the Leader to write to local NJC union representatives to convey support for a fully funded NJC pay claim.
(Councillor Baker declared an interest in the above item as he was employed by the Liberal Democratic MEP’s Jane Brophy and Chris Davies at their North West England Office and his employer was a benchmark employer). A 172
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(B) RECOGNISING CALDERDALE’S VETERANS With the consent of the meeting the motion on the Summons was withdrawn to be replaced by:
It was moved by Councillor Cavanagh, Seconded by Councillor Courtney,
The Armed Forces Covenant exists between the people of the UK and the Armed Forces and their families. It lays out the principles that should exist in the relationship between the Armed Forces and the rest of the Nation, including respect, support and fair treatment. It makes clear that no-one who has served should face disadvantage from their service and that, in some cases, special consideration is appropriate. Calderdale Council adopted the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2012.
The Council notes:
• the invaluable contribution made to our community and our country by members of the Armed services, the life and professional skills they gain through military service and our debt to them. This includes the vital contribution made by reservists.
• that many service people experience difficulties adapting to civilian life and this can include managing their family relationships and friendships.
• that due to the nature of military service some service men and women may experience mental health issues when returning from their military service. These can range from low level issues to more serious and complex issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• that their service, whilst equipping them with many practical skills, does not always equip them with administrative and literary skills. These skills are needed to satisfy some of today’s initial employment application questionnaires and procedures.
• that the current support Calderdale Council provides to veterans includes providing support and advice on benefits and finance, carers, healthcare, employment, school provision and classroom funding, sport and fitness, and travel.
• that the Council supports the work of other local providers, with a dedicated steering group that includes representatives from service organisations, the NHS and Job Centre considering progress made and the Council’s and partner organisations future ambitions. Calderdale MBC is working with other West Yorkshire Councils and has joined the West Yorkshire Good Practice Partnership that is developing a joint action plan and seeking to enhance training and development across our region.
• that the Council also provides free gym membership for 12 months and advertises relevant events for veterans on the Council’s website. Calderdale A 173
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Council also provides information (including contact details) on a range of other organisations that able to provide specific advice for veterans which includes: MoneyForce; The Royal British Legion; The Ministry of Defence: army dependants' trust; The Royal Navy: community support; The Royal Air Force Association; Veterans UK; Service Personnel and Veterans Agency pensions; The Army Families Federation; Heroes Return; Forces Discount Offers; Homeless or at risk.
• that whilst a range of support already exists Calderdale Council recognises that veterans may face specific challenges when trying to access employment opportunities.
This Council resolves to:
(a) work with our partners to ensure veterans in Calderdale are able to access support around mental health, adapting to civilian life and managing relationships specific to their status as ex-service personnel;
(b) work with the Job Centre and other relevant partners to ensure that relevant job application and interview mentoring is provided to veterans in Calderdale to ensure they are ‘job-ready’;
(c) continue to offer all former service personnel a guaranteed interview for any job vacancy applied for (upon meeting the essential requirements of the post);
(d) encourage all partnering organisations in and around the borough to do the same;
(e) record applications by veterans and the successful appointment of officers in order to track the progress of steps taken to provide special consideration to veterans seeking employment with the Council; and
(f) adopts KPIs relating to reintegrating and employing veterans within the strategic objectives of this Council to ensure Calderdale supports its veterans.
RECOGNISING CALDERDALE’S VETERANS
It was moved as an AMENDMENT by Councillor Baker,
Seconded by Councillor Evans,
Delete ‘and’ at the end of paragraph (e) and insert at the end of the motion:
; and
(g) Contact the Home Office calling for the scrapping of the ‘indefinite leave to remain’ fees for former service personnel and their families applying to take up their right to settle in Britain.
The amendment on being put to the vote was carried. A 174
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Councillors Press, Baker and Cavanagh and T Swift MBE commented on the amended motion.
RESOLVED that:
The Armed Forces Covenant exists between the people of the UK and the Armed Forces and their families. It lays out the principles that should exist in the relationship between the Armed Forces and the rest of the Nation, including respect, support and fair treatment. It makes clear that no-one who has served should face disadvantage from their service and that, in some cases, special consideration is appropriate. Calderdale Council adopted the Armed Forces Covenant back in 2012.
The Council notes:
• the invaluable contribution made to our community and our country by members of the Armed services, the life and professional skills they gain through military service and our debt to them. This includes the vital contribution made by reservists.
• that many service people experience difficulties adapting to civilian life and this can include managing their family relationships and friendships.
• that due to the nature of military service some service men and women may experience mental health issues when returning from their military service. These can range from low level issues to more serious and complex issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• that their service, whilst equipping them with many practical skills, does not always equip them with administrative and literary skills. These skills are needed to satisfy some of today’s initial employment application questionnaires and procedures.
• that the current support Calderdale Council provides to veterans includes providing support and advice on benefits and finance, carers, healthcare, employment, school provision and classroom funding, sport and fitness, and travel.
• that the Council supports the work of other local providers, with a dedicated steering group that includes representatives from service organisations, the NHS and Job Centre considering progress made and the Council’s and partner organisations future ambitions. Calderdale MBC is working with other West Yorkshire Councils and has joined the West Yorkshire Good Practice Partnership that is developing a joint action plan and seeking to enhance training and development across our region.
• that the Council also provides free gym membership for 12 months and advertises relevant events for veterans on the Council’s website. Calderdale Council also provides information (including contact details) on a range of A 175
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other organisations that able to provide specific advice for veterans which includes: MoneyForce; The Royal British Legion; The Ministry of Defence: army dependants' trust; The Royal Navy: community support; The Royal Air Force Association; Veterans UK; Service Personnel and Veterans Agency pensions; The Army Families Federation; Heroes Return; Forces Discount Offers; Homeless or at risk.
• that whilst a range of support already exists Calderdale Council recognises that veterans may face specific challenges when trying to access employment opportunities.
This Council resolves to:
(a) Work with our partners to ensure veterans in Calderdale are able to access support around mental health, adapting to civilian life and managing relationships specific to their status as ex-service personnel;
(b) Work with the Job Centre and other relevant partners to ensure that relevant job application and interview mentoring is provided to veterans in Calderdale to ensure they are ‘job-ready’;
(c) Continue to offer all former service personnel a guaranteed interview for any job vacancy applied for (upon meeting the essential requirements of the post);
(d) Encourage all partnering organisations in and around the borough to do the same;
(e) Record applications by veterans and the successful appointment of officers in order to track the progress of steps taken to provide special consideration to veterans seeking employment with the Council;
(f) Adopts KPIs relating to reintegrating and employing veterans within the strategic objectives of this Council to ensure Calderdale supports its veterans; and
(g) Contact the Home Office calling for the scrapping of the ‘indefinite leave to remain’ fees for former service personnel and their families applying to take up their right to settle in Britain.
69 COMMENTS ON THE WORK OF SCRUTINY BOARDS, PANELS AND COMMITTEES AND QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE TO THE CHAIRS OF SCRUTINY BOARDS, PANELS AND COMMITTEES
There were no questions to the Chairs of Scrutiny Boards, Panels and Committees or comments from Members.