Public Document Pack MEETING: Full Council DATE: Thursday, 4 February 2016 TIME: 10.30 am VENUE: Council Chamber, Barnsley Town Hall
AGENDA
1. Declarations of Personal Interests
To receive any declarations of interest of a personal nature from Members in respect of the items on this agenda.
2. Minutes (Pages 7 - 18)
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 26th November, 2015.
3. Communications
To consider any communications to be submitted by the Mayor or the Chief Executive.
4. Questions by Elected Members
To consider any questions which may have been received from Elected Members and which are asked pursuant to Standing Order No. 10.
5. Questions relating to Joint Authority, Police and Crime Panel and Combined Authority Business
Minutes of the South Yorkshire Pensions Authority, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Sheffield City Region Combined Authority, and Police and Crime Panel
Any Member of the Council shall have the opportunity to comment on any matters referred to in the following minutes.
The relevant representatives shall then be given the opportunity to respond to any comments made by Members on those minutes. 6. South Yorkshire Pensions Authority - 19th November, 2015 (Pages 19 - 20)
7. South Yorkshire Pensions Authority - 3rd December 2015 (Pages 21 - 28)
8. South Yorkshire Pensions Authority - 10th December, 2015 (Pages 29 - 30)
9. Police and Crime Panel - 27th November, 2015 (Pages 31 - 38)
10. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority - 30th November, 2015 (Pages 39 - 44)
11. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority - 4th January, 2016 (Pages 45 - 52)
12. Sheffield City Region Combined Authority - 7th December, 2015 (Pages 53 - 58)
Minutes of the Regulatory Boards
13. Planning Regulatory Board - 24th November, 2015 (Pages 59 - 62)
14. Planning Regulatory Board - 22nd December, 2015 (Pages 63 - 64)
15. General Licensing Regulatory Board - 23rd December, 2015 (Pages 65 - 70)
16. Audit Committee - 20th January, 2016 (to follow)
17. General Licensing Panel - 12th January, 2016 (Pages 71 - 72)
18. Appeals, Awards and Standards Panels - Various (Pages 73 - 74)
Minutes of the Health and Wellbeing Board
19. Health and Wellbeing Board - 8th December, 2015 (Pages 75 - 80)
Minutes of the Scrutiny Committees
20. Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 1st December, 2015 (Pages 81 - 88)
21. Safeguarding Scrutiny Committee - 19th January, 2016 (to follow)
Minutes of the Area Councils
22. Dearne Area Council - 16th November, 2015 (Pages 89 - 92)
23. North Area Council - 23rd November, 2015 (Pages 93 - 96)
24. North East Area Council - 3rd December, 2015 (Pages 97 - 100)
25. Penistone Area Council - 10th December, 2015 (Pages 101 - 104)
26. South Area Council - 18th December, 2015 (Pages 105 - 112)
27. Central Area Council - 11th January, 2016 (Pages 113 - 118)
Recommendations to Council
All reports detailed below are subject to Cabinet recommendation and are available to download from the Council’s website. The Cabinet Spokesperson for the Service in question will respond to any comments or amendments concerning these minutes.
28. Housing Revenue Account - Draft Budget 2016/17 & Housing Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 (Cab.16.12.2015/9)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL:-
(i) that the Housing Revenue Account Draft Budget for 2016/17, as detailed in the report now submitted, be approved, with any final amendments/additions being delegated to the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place and the Executive Director for Place;
(ii) that the Service Charge Proposals for 2016/17, as set out at Appendix D and Sections 3.13 and 3.16, be approved;
(iii) that the 2016/17 Berneslai Homes Management Fee be approved with any final amendments/additions being delegated to the Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation and the Executive Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place;
(iv) that the use of Berneslai Homes Ltd retained surplus as outlined in Section 3.27 be approved;
(v) that the earmarking of Housing Revenue Account Working Balance as outlined in Sections 3.8 – 3.12 be approved;
(vi) that the Council Housing Capital Investment Programme for 2020-21 be approved;
(vii) that a rent reduction in line with Government's rent policy be approved; and
(viii) that the Board of Berneslai Homes be authorised to vary any of the approved capital schemes subject to a maximum variation on existing budgets of £250,000, with variations above this amount carried out in agreement with the Executive Director Place and the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place.
29. Council Nominations to the Berneslai Homes Board (Cab. 13.1.2016/9)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL that the nomination of Councillors Ennis and Makinson to the Berneslai Homes Board for a three year term be approved with immediate effect.
Minutes of the Cabinet Meetings
30. Cabinet Meeting - 18th November, 2015 (Pages 119 - 120)
31. Cabinet Meeting - 2nd December, 2015 (Pages 121 - 126)
32. Cabinet Meeting - 16th December, 2015 (Pages 127 - 130)
33. Cabinet Meeting - 13th January, 2016 (Pages 131 - 134)
(NB. No Cabinet decisions have been called in from these meetings)
Notice of Motion Submitted in Accordance with Standing Order No 6
34. Notice of Motion - Housing and Planning Bill
To be Moved by Councillor Miller – Seconded by Councillor Mitchell
This Council notes: That the Housing and Planning Bill is currently being debated in Parliament, and if passed will threaten the provision of affordable homes for rent and buy through: o forcing 'high-value' council homes to be sold on the open market o extending the right-to-buy to housing association tenants and o undermining section 106 requirements on private developers to provide affordable homes
That there is no commitment in the Bill that affordable homes will be replaced like for like in the local area.
That whilst measures to help (first-time buyers are welcome, the 'starter homes' proposals in the Bill will be unaffordable to families and young people on ordinary incomes in most parts of the country; will not preserve the taxpayer investment; and will be built at the expense of genuinely-affordable homes to rent and buy.
That the Bill undermines localism by taking 32 new wide and open-ended powers for the Secretary over councils and local communities, including the ability to override local plans, to mandate rents for social tenants, and to impose a levy on stock-holding councils, violating the terms of the housing revenue account self-financing deal.
That the Bill, whilst introducing some welcome measures to get to grips with rogue landlords, does not help with the high rents, poor conditions and insecurity affecting many of England's 11m private renters - including one in four families with children - and does nothing to help arrest the recent rise in homelessness.
This Council resolves:
To analyse and report on the likely impact of the forced sale of council homes, the extension of right-to-buy and the 'starter homes'
To analyse and report on any further likely impacts of the Bill on the local area
To use this information to:
o support the Leader of the Council in writing to the Secretary of State with the Council’s concerns about the Bill
o set up an urgent meeting between the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive with the Local Members of Parliament to raise these concerns o make public these concerns, including by publishing the above information on the council's website and promoting through the local press.
Schedule of Declarations - copy attached
Diana Terris Chief Executive
Wednesday, 27 January 2016
This page is intentionally left blank Item 2 MEETING: Full Council DATE: Thursday, 26 November 2015 TIME: 10.30 am VENUE: Council Chamber, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present The Mayor (Councillor Mathers)
Central Ward - Councillors D. Birkinshaw, Bruff and M. Dyson
Cudworth Ward - Councillors Hayward, Houghton CBE and C. Wraith MBE
Darfield Ward - Councillors Coates and Saunders
Darton East Ward - Councillors Miller and Spence
Darton West Ward - Councillors Burgess, Cave and Howard
Dearne North Ward - Councillors Gollick and Worton
Dearne South Ward - Councillors Brook and Noble
Dodworth Ward - Councillors P. Birkinshaw, J. Carr and Riggs
Hoyland Milton Ward - Councillors Franklin, Shepherd and Stowe
Kingstone Ward - Councillors Mitchell and Williams
Monk Bretton Ward - Councillors S. Green, Richardson and Sheard
North East Ward - Councillors Ennis, Hampson and Higginbottom
Old Town Ward - Councillors Cherryholme and Grundy
Penistone East Ward - Councillors Barnard, Hand-Davis and Wilson
Penistone West Ward - Councillors Griffin, Millner and Unsworth
Rockingham Ward - Councillors Andrews BEM, Dures and Lamb
Royston Ward - Councillors Makinson
St. Helen’s Ward - Councillors Platts and Tattersall
Stairfoot Ward - Councillors K. Dyson and Johnson
Wombwell Ward - Councillors Frost, Morgan and R. Wraith
Worsbrough Ward - Councillors G. Carr, Clarke and Pourali
Page 7 1
100. Declarations of Personal Interests
Councillor D Birkinshaw declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No 120 ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes – 6th October, 2015’ insofar as the discussion related to District Heating Schemes in view of him being a tenant of a property served by the scheme. He took no part in the discussion or voting on this item.
Councillor Ennis declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute No 120 ‘Overview and Scrutiny Committee minutes – 6th October, 2015’ and Minute 133 ‘Cabinet Minutes – 4th November, 2015’ insofar as the discussion related to Berneslai Homes in view of him being a Berneslai Homes Board Member.
101. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th September, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
102. Communications
(a) Investors in People Silver Award
The Chief Executive reported that she was extremely pleased and proud to announce that the Council had been awarded the Investors in People Silver Standard which was a wonderful achievement and demonstrated the commitment to realising the potential of the people it employed.
Investors in People was the UK’s leading accreditation for business improvement through people management and provided a wealth of resources for businesses to innovate, improve and grow, with a focus on good people making great business.
Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People nationally said ‘Achieving the Investors in People /Silver Standard is something that any organisation should be truly proud of. It is a sign of a company which is committed to good people management practice and we’d like to congratulate Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council on their achievement’.
Steve Burrows, Managing Director of Investors in People North of England said ‘this is a fantastic achievement for Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and I would like to congratulate them on their success. With their Silver accreditation, the Council is certainly working to realise their people potential’.
The Chief Executive asked to place on record her personal thanks and appreciation to all staff who, with their hearts and minds, had made this achievement and the success of the Council possible over the last few years.
Amanda Glue and Alex Longley from the Organisational Development Team who had put in a lot of hard work to enable the Council to achieve this Silver Award were present in the Council Chamber.
Page 8 2 The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to all involved in this excellent achievement.
(b) Helen Jaggar – Chief Executive of the Year Award
The Chief Executive was delighted to inform Members of the Council that Helen Jaggar, Chief Executive of Berneslai Homes, had recently won the Chief Executive of the Year Award at the National 24 Housing Awards.
Under Helen’s leadership, Berneslai Homes had developed significantly to become a high performing leading Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO). Helen had many titles and roles both nationally and regionally and was a key partner for the Council here in Barnsley.
The Chief Executive was delighted Helen’s hard work and expertise had been recognised in achieving this award. It was great news of Berneslai Homes, for Barnsley but most importantly, for the tenants.
Helen Jaggar was present in the Council Chamber this morning.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to Helen for this excellent and outstanding achievement.
(c) Development Management and Building Control – Customer Service Excellence
The Chief Executive was pleased to announce that the Planning and Building Control Service had retained the Customers Service in Excellence Accreditation following an independent external assessment.
The assessor singled out how well the Unit understood its customer groups and responded to their varying needs. Customer focus was a really important element of the Future Council initiative so it was pleasing to hear that this Unit really understood its customers. This had resulted in the Service achieving a compliance plus assessment in that area which was a standard rarely awarded by the body.
The Chief Executive asked to formally acknowledge and thank all members of staff within the Planning and Control Unit for their continued commitment to customer services which was reflected by this award. Mark Caddick, who was unfortunately not able to be in the Chamber this morning, had been the main driving force behind this accreditation and he was thanked for his hard work and dedication to the Council.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to all involved in this excellent achievement.
(d) Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve
The Chief Executive reported that as part of the National Green Flag Campaign for quality parks and green spaces, people were encouraged to vote for their local park to help find the ‘Nation’s favourite’. Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve came 11th out of 1,500 entries making it the only park in
Page 9 3 Yorkshire in the top 20 to be recognised and putting it ahead of others in London, Scotland and across the midlands. This was a great achievement.
Along with the numerous Yorkshire in Bloom gold awards, it was great to know that the park was recognised nationally and showed that local people were hugely proud of the park and its facilities.
To celebrate this achievement a number of volunteers and others were in the Council Chamber this morning including Pat and Richard Sullivan, Janet Gillott, June Turner, Jillian Hansman , Janet Cartwright and from the Parks Service, Jo Birch, Mick Hall, Terry Woods and Russ Boland. This was a fantastic achievement and an example of the community and the Council working together to achieve so much.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to all involved in this excellent achievement.
(e) Archives Service Place of Deposit Status
The Chief Executive reported that Barnsley Archive Service had been appointed an approved place of deposit for public records under Section 4 of the Public Records Act 1958. Because of the nature of these records, they were required by Central Government to be held by Local Authority Archive Services that met certain standards with regard to security and access. They included the records of Barnsley Magistrates Court and its predecessors dating back to the 19th Century, as well as records relating to local healthcare which went back to the foundation of the Barnsley Beckett Hospital in the 1860’s.
This approval was a welcome addition to the many accolades that the Experience Barnsley Museum and Discovery Centre had received since opening in 2013 and recognition of Barnsley’s commitment to preserving and making available archives relating to the history and development of the Borough which was close to the hearts of all Members.
The Chief Executive congratulated the Archives Team, Paul Stebbing, David Blunden, Michael Hardy, Gill Nixon and Mark Levitt for all their hard work and their amazing achievement.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to all involved in this excellent achievement.
(f) Trans Pennine Trail
The Chief Executive was pleased to inform Members of the Council that the Trans Pennine Trail had recently won the Uk’s ‘favourite long distance route’ as voted for by the public.
Along the route, Barnsley had a good section linking many of the Borough’s key visitor attractions and beautiful countryside. Barnsley Council was also the home of the Strategic Team of the Trans Pennine Trail.
Page 10 4 Thanks were extended to the Strategic Team and to Mandy Loach and Hannah Beaumont but also to Sarah Ford the Public Rights of Way Officer for all their hard work in continuing to promote and develop the Trans Pennine Trail.
The Mayor and Members of the Council expressed, in the usual manner, their congratulations to all involved in this excellent achievement.
Various members of the Council then asked to place on record their congratulations.
Councillor Howard, Cabinet Member without Portfolio expressed her particular thanks to those staff involved in achieving the IiP Silver Award. She commented on the ways in which the Authority invested in its staff, the training programmes that were available and the support provided. She also asked to congratulate through the work of the Member Development Working Party officers for the way in which they worked with Members to ensure that they too benefitted from the same support and training opportunities. The work of Amanda Glue and her Team was also very much appreciated who ensured that there was a thread that ran through the whole Council to provide the same support for Members and Officers alike.
Councillor Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson for People (Safeguarding) in congratulating all involved expressed her particular thanks to the staff involved in achieving the IiP Award as she was aware of the very hard work which had had to be undertaken to get the Silver Award. This was a real accolade for the Council and for the Town.
Councillor Shepherd, Deputy Mayor, also expressed his congratulations but particularly to those involved at Elsecar Park and Local Nature Reserve. Whilst the Park had come 11th out of 1,500 entries, efforts were being made to improve on this position and to this end further developments were being undertaken to the Park, the Café, the Children’s Play area and to the entrance. In addition, Elsecar Park and Nature Reserve was now included as part of the Elsecar Heritage Centre and Conservation area. His thanks then went to the Friends of Elsecar Park who raised so much finance to assist in development and running of the Park and who worked so hard to ensure the long term success.
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of the Council was immensely proud at the successes achieved. He made particular reference to the hard work undertaken to achieve the IiP Silver Award status; the work of Helen Jaggar and Berneslai Homes in managing, on behalf of the Council, the housing stock which had resulted in Helen being awarded Chief Executive of the Year Award; and the hard work of everyone which had resulted in the successes as now reported.
He went on to comment that these successes were all the more remarkable considering the huge changes that the Council had gone through over recent years. It showed what could be achieved by working together. He made particularly reference to the dedication and hard work of the staff who had seen tremendous changes to their work place, in some cases, their terms and
Page 11 5 conditions and to the way in which the Council undertook its business. It had been shown that improvements could still be made and this was a testament to the commitment of all those involved. His congratulations went to each an every one of the award winners and also to all staff of the Authority because without them, there simply wouldn’t be a Council and the Borough would be a much poorer place.
Councillor Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities in congratulating all involved expressed particular thanks to the staff of the Parks Service and to all volunteers and Friends Groups who contributed so much to the work of the Service without whose help the Council would struggle to maintain such areas.
Councillor Miller, Cabinet Spokesperson for Place asked to place on record his thanks and appreciation to all those staff working within the Place Directorate for their hard work, dedication and commitment often, under extreme difficulties. He made particular reference to the staff of the Archives Service and to the development work that was currently being undertaken. He also drew Members attention to the Barnsley Calendar for 2016 which would go on sale in the Museum Shop from 1st December, 2015 priced £4.95.
Councillor Hand-Davis referred to the work of the staff involved with the Trans Pennine Trail which was a jewel in the crown for tourism in Barnsley and which was a testimony to the work of the late former Councillor Robin Norbury whose dream it had been to develop the Trail. The Trail was used by all manner of people each and every day and his thanks and appreciation for their hard work and dedication went to the Team and all staff involved.
103. Questions by Elected Members
The Chief Executive reported that she had received no questions from Elected Members in accordance with Standing Order No. 11.
104. Questions relating to Joint Authority, Police and Crime Panel and Combined Authority Business
The Chief Executive reported that she had received no questions from Elected Members in accordance with Standing Order No. 12.
105. Police and Crime Panel - 11th September, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
106. Police and Crime Panel - 16th October, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
107. Sheffield City Region Combined Authority - 14th September, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
108. Sheffield City Region Combined Authority - 26th October, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
Page 12 6
109. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority - 21st September, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
110. South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority - 19th October, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
111. South Yorkshire Pensions Authority - 1st October, 2015
RESOLVED that the minutes be noted.
112. Planning Regulatory Board - 29th September, 2015
Moved by Councillor D. Birkinshaw - Seconded by Councillor R. Wraith; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Planning Regulatory Board held on 29th September, 2015 be received.
113. Planning Regulatory Board - 27th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor D. Birkinshaw - Seconded by Councillor R. Wraith; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Planning Regulatory Board held on 27th October, 2015 be received.
114. General Licensing Regulatory Board - 28th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE – Seconded by Councillor Worton; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the General Licensing Regulatory Board Panel meeting held on the 28th October, 2015 be received.
115. Statutory Licensing Regulatory Board - 28th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE – Seconded by Councillor Frost; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Statutory Licensing Regulatory Board Panel meeting held on the 28th October, 2015 be received.
116. Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - 23rd September, 2015
Moved by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE – Seconded by Councillor Worton; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Statutory Licensing Regulatory Board Sub-Committee held on 23rd September, 2015 be received.
Page 13 7 117. General Licensing Regulatory Board Panels - Various
Moved by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE – Seconded by Councillor Clarke; and
RESOLVED that the details of the various General Licensing Regulatory Board Panels held in the last cycle of meetings together with their decisions be received subject to the amendment to the attendance of the Panel meeting held on the 3rd November, 2015 to read ‘Councillors C Wraith MBE, J Carr and Frost together with Councillor Tattersall (Reserve Member)’.
118. Appeals, Awards and Standards - Various
Moved by Councillor Shepherd – Seconded by Councillor Richardson; and
RESOLVED that the details of the various Appeals, Awards and Standards Regulatory Board Panels held in the last cycle of meetings together with their decisions be received.
119. Health and Wellbeing Board - 13th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, CBE – Seconded by Councillor Platts; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Health and Well Being Board held on 13th October, 2015 be received.
120. Overview and Scrutiny Committee - 6th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Ennis – Seconded by Councillor Sheard; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 6th October, 2015 be received.
121. Safeguarding Scrutiny Committee - 10th November, 2015
Moved by Councillor Worton – Seconded by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE; and
RESOLVED that the minutes now submitted of the proceedings of the Safeguarding Scrutiny Committee held on 10th November, 2015 be received.
122. Dearne Area Council - 14th September, 2015
Moved by Councillor Noble – Seconded by Councillor Worton; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Dearne Area Council held on 14th September, 2015 be received.
123. North Area Council - 21st September, 2015
Moved by Councillor Burgess – Seconded by Councillor Howard; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the North Area Council held on 21st September, 2015 be received.
Page 14 8
124. North East Area Council - 1st October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Hayward – Seconded by Councillor C. Wraith, MBE; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the North East Area Council held on 1st October, 2015 be received.
125. Penistone Area Council - 22nd October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Barnard – Seconded by Councillor Unsworth; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Penistone Area Council held on 22nd October, 2015 be received.
126. South Area Council - 23rd October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Stowe - Seconded by Councillor Frost; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the South Area Council held on 23rd October, 2015 be received.
127. Central Area Council - 9th November, 2015
Moved by Councillor Bruff - Seconded by Councillor Riggs; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the proceedings of the Central Area Council held on 9th November, 2015 be received.
128. Proposed Sale by the Council as Trustee of Carlton Park House, Carlton (Cab.21.10.2015/6)
Moved by Councillor Franklin – Seconded by Councillor Howard; and
RESOLVED:-
(i) that, subject to the statutory procedures under the Charities Act 2011 being complied with and the consent of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO), the Council in its capacity as Trustee of the Miners’ Recreation or Pleasure Ground, Carlton approves the sale of Carlton Park House;
(ii) that the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services, on behalf of the Council as Trustee, dispose of Carlton Park House by way of either auction or private treaty sale, as directed by the independent surveyor acting for the Council as Trustee, to achieve best value;
(iii) that the Director of Legal and Governance be granted delegated authority to address any representations made by the general public to the proposal on behalf of the Council as Trustee and to conclude the necessary legal documentation relating to the disposal of the property;
Page 15 9 (iv) that the Director of Legal and Governance be granted delegated authority to make a recommendation to the Charity Commission to conclude the decision of the capital receipt between the Council as Trustee and CISWO, that the share of the capital receipt from the sale passed to CISWO be used in accordance with the Trust’s Governing Documents and that the share retained by the Council be applied towards improvements for the benefit of the remainder of the park, in accordance with CISWO’s requirements and any directions made by the Charity Commission, and that until settlement is concluded that the Council as Trustee hold the capital receipt in a separate account; and
(v) that once the division of the capital receipt is settled between the Council as Trustee and CISWO, approval be granted for the Service Director Stronger, Safer and Healthier Communities (Park Services) to use the proceeds in accordance with CISWO’s requirements and any directions made by the Charity Commission.
129. Barnsley's Framework for Safeguarding Children and Adults (Cab.4.11.2015/10)
Moved by Councillor Bruff – Seconded by Councillor Dures; and
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the current arrangements for safeguarding children in the Borough, as set out in the report now submitted, be noted;
(ii) that the current arrangements for safeguarding vulnerable adults in the Borough, including the progress made in implementing the relevant provisions of The Care Act (2014) be noted;
(iii) that the approach to non-statutory safeguarding enquiries, as outlined in page 7, paragraphs 12.5 – 12.8 of the report, be endorsed; and
(iv) that an All Members Information Briefing on the evolving safeguarding landscape be scheduled during 2015-16.
130. Cabinet Meeting - 23rd September, 2015
Moved by Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, CBE – Seconded by Councillor Andrews BEM; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the Cabinet Meeting held on 23rd September, 2015 be received.
131. Cabinet Meeting - 7th October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, CBE – Seconded by Councillor Andrews BEM; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the Cabinet Meeting held on 7th October, 2015 be received.
Page 16 10 132. Cabinet Meeting - 21st October, 2015
Moved by Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, CBE – Seconded by Councillor Andrews BEM; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the Cabinet Meeting held on 21st October, 2015 be received.
133. Cabinet Meeting - 4th November, 2015
Moved by Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton, CBE – Seconded by Councillor Andrews BEM; and
RESOLVED that the minutes as printed and now submitted of the Cabinet Meeting held on 4th November, 2015 be received.
……………………………………………….. Chair
Page 17 11 This page is intentionally left blank item 6
SOUTH YORKSHIRE PENSIONS AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
19 NOVEMBER 2015
PRESENT: Councillor S Ellis (Chair) Councillor R Wraith (Vice-Chair) Councillors: E Butler, B Lodge, K Rodgers, A Sangar, M Stowe and K Wyatt
Councillors: I Auckland and D Leech (SYPTPF Committee)
Trade Unions: F Tyas (UCATT) and R Askwith (Unison)
Investment Advisors: T Gardener, L Robb (SYPF) and E Lambert (SYPTPF)
Officers: J Hattersley (Fund Director SYPA), F Foster (Treasurer), M McCarthy (Deputy Clerk), S Smith (Head of Investments SYPA), F Bourne (Administration Officer SYPA) and A Shirt (Senior Democratic Services Officer)
Observers: G Boyington, S Carnell, N Doolan and J Thompson
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor H Mirfin- Boukouris, Councillor B Webster, G Warwick and J Bell
1 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were noted as above.
2 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS.
RESOLVED – That agenda item 4 ‘Government Consultation on LGPS’ be considered in the absence of the public and press.
3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
None.
4 GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON LGPS
A report of the Fund Director was presented to advise Members that the Government intended to consult over the pooling of LGPS investments to reduce costs.
Members noted that the Government had issued a clear message that it expected the Administering Authorities for all 89 LGPS funds in England and Wales to come forward in the next six months (ahead of the 2016 Budget) with proposals for pooling their assets.
Page 19 Pensions Authority: Thursday 19 November 2015
The Fund Director updated Members on the current issues, and what was so far known about the proposals. It was noted that the Investment Board had given approval for the Fund Director to participate in the research being undertaken by Hymans Robertson, and had given approval for the Board to enter into this providing the costing was circa £10,000. Officers were heavily involved in five of the HR workstreams.
Members agreed a set of criteria which the Authority would regard as its minimum aspiration to be delivered under any pooling solution. The key one was the preservation of internal investment management if possible. Members then considered the various potential investment pooling structures which might deliver these criteria and authorised officers to continue discussions with potential partner funds.
It was agreed that a Special Meeting of the Authority would be called when officers were in a position to firm up the various pooling options and, or when, more information regarding criteria etc. was published by Government.
The Chair thanked Members’ and the Investment Advisors’ for their contributions.
RESOLVED – That Members agreed in principle the criteria that officers should consider when pursuing discussions with potential partner funds.
CHAIR
Page 20 Item 7
SOUTH YORKSHIRE PENSIONS AUTHORITY
3 DECEMBER 2015
PRESENT: Councillor S Ellis (Chair) Councillor R Wraith (Vice-Chair) Councillors: B Lodge, H Mirfin-Boukouris, K Rodgers, A Sangar, J Scott, M Stowe and K Wyatt
Trade Unions: N Doolan (Unison), G Warwick (GMB), F Tyas (UCATT) and R Askwith (Unison)
Officers: G Chapman (Head of Pensions Administration SYPA), S Smith (Head of Investments SYPA), B Clarkson (Head of Finance), A Frosdick (Monitoring Officer), F Foster (Treasurer), M McCarthy (Deputy Clerk) and M McCoole (Senior Democratic Services Officer) BMBC
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor E Butler, Councillor B Webster, Councillor J Wood, J Hattersley, J Bell and R Bywater
1 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were noted as above.
2 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Members were informed of a petition submitted by Sheffield Climate Alliance for an ethical investment policy.
K Stott from Sheffield Climate Alliance informed Members of the following:-
Sheffield Climate Alliance was a Sheffield based network of individuals and voluntary community organisations, campaigning locally and nationally for effective climate action, some of whom are also SYPA active members. With temperatures set to rise 4 degrees before the end of this century, this was a global emergency; such a temperature rise was not compatible with human civilisation. We therefore believe that there is compelling financial and ethical arguments for organisations such as pension funds to radically review investments. Morally indefensible to invest in companies that destroy our climate and so leave to our children a world where life, as we know it, is unsustainable. Financially irresponsible to invest in such a high risk sector where the assets, experts agree, are currently wildly overstated and where share prices will plummet. Mark Carney and many other financial advisors say that business as usual is neither acceptable nor viable.
Page 21 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
Low carbon and ethical portfolios are performing at least as well as other portfolios and coal investments have already brought losses to local authority pension funds. We want to see SYPA divest from carbon intensive industries (such as Shell, BP, BHP Biliton) and instead make positive investments, such as building the local South Yorkshire low carbon infrastructure, developing local energy generation and other aspects of the low carbon future. Our petition:- Calls for the Authority ‘to implement an ethical investment policy that will divest from fossil fuels and ensure that our money is used to support the creation of a sustainable, healthy, just and fair future for us, our families and the planet as a whole’. 143 signatures. Mainly from just one lunchtime a month ago at Moorfoot (our resources are limited). At least 1 in 3 people we approached were happy to sign. Demonstrates that a significant proportion of members want you, the Authority, to take account of their ethical concerns (including divestment from fossil fuels) when investing their pension contributions. What now? The petition should act as a catalyst for further action by the Authority, including:- Use the opportunity afforded by the Authority’s carbon audit to better align the current portfolio with members’ views. By being the change they want to see. By investing in the world they want to leave for future generations. Seek legal advice and re-examine the meaning of fiduciary duty in the light of a well-documented threat to human civilisation. Reverse the current position on members’ ethical concerns and allow them to become a driver for investment policy. Canvass the entire membership to ascertain their views about an ethical investment policy (in parallel with a programme of balanced information to inform their decision). Continue to build your own knowledge of divestment issues and the options available to pension funds. We, SCA, have offered to co-organise a workshop with you on this topic (in our letter sent to the Investment Board in September). We look forward to working with you on this.
Councillor Ellis acknowledged receipt of the petition and she added that the Authority would provide a response to the Sheffield Climate Alliance.
3 URGENT ITEMS
None.
4 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That the following agenda items be considered in the absence of the public and press:-
Item 20 ‘Human Resources – JNC Officers’ Job Evaluations’.
Item 21 ‘Voluntary Retirement – Request to Waive Actuarial Reductions on
Page 22 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
Compassionate Grounds’.
5 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
6 MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY MEETING HELD ON 1 OCTOBER 2015
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 1 October 2015 be signed by the Chair as a correct record.
7 MINUTES OF THE INVESTMENT BOARD HELD ON 17 SEPTEMBER 2015
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Investment Board held on 17 September 2015 be noted.
8 MINUTES OF THE JOINT LOCAL PENSION BOARD HELD ON 1 OCTOBER 2015
Members noted the discussion which had taken place in regard to the Constitution, particularly in relation to investment strategies and emphasised again that there was no intention to prevent open dialogue.
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Joint Local Pension Board held on 1 October 2015 be noted.
9 WORK PROGRAMME
Members were presented with a copy of the cycle of future meetings work programme to 17 March 2016.
Following Councillor Wyatt’s suggestion, G Chapman agreed to contact Civica and request copies of their presentation well in advance of the meeting on 14 January 2016.
Councillor Ellis requested that Members be sent additional confirmation of the extraordinary meeting of the Pensions Authority scheduled on Thursday 10 December 2015 at 10am, to discuss the Government’s consultation on the LGPS.
RESOLVED – That:-
i) Members noted the contents of the report.
ii) Additional confirmation be sent onto Members, for the extraordinary meeting of the Pensions Authority on Thursday 10 December 2015
10 SECTION 41 FEEDBACK FROM DISTRICT COUNCILS
Councillor Rodgers commented that DMBC, like many other local authorities, was giving consideration to additional spending cuts following the impact of the spending review.
Page 23 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
Councillor Ellis confirmed that this was also the case in RMBC; she had raised with RMBC’s Leader, the sustainability of the pension payment coming out of the ever decreasing budget. Councillor Ellis referred to feedback received on the actuarial valuation, which had echoed the Authority’s view that matters were progressing, although some independent financial input was expected.
11 ACTUARIAL VALUATION 2016: BACKGROUND INFORMATION
A report of the Fund Director was submitted to advise Members about the findings of recent research conducted by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries regarding deaths.
Members noted that the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) had suggested that the life expectancy in England and Wales was not improving as expected; more people were expected to die in 2015 than in any other year in the last decade.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the report.
12 GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON LGPS POOLING
S Smith informed Members that the criteria had last week been released on the Government Consultation on LGPS pooling. It was noted that a number of meetings would be held prior to the Extraordinary Pensions Authority Meeting scheduled on 10 December 2015, where Members would be fully updated.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the verbal update.
13 LGPS CURRENT ISSUES
The Authority gave consideration to the LGPS paper entitled ‘Are you up to date with the current issues?’
RESOLVED – That Members noted the contents of the report.
14 PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT REPORT 2016/16: Q2
Members were presented with a copy of the Business Planning and Performance Framework’s Snapshot Report for 2015/16 Quarter 2.
G Chapman commented that a total of 19313 cases had been processed during the quarter, of which 61.92% were on target. The backlog following UPM implementation still affected the overall performance but 4000 additional cases had been completed in the period and an improvement in performance of 8%. G Chapman was confident that the backlog would return to normal levels by the end of December 2015.
Councillor Wraith complimented staff, on behalf of the Authority, for all of the hard work involved in bringing the workload up to date, and for the continued excellent service provided to members.
RESOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.
Page 24 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
15 AMENDMENTS TO CONTRACT STANDING ORDERS
A report of the Clerk was submitted to seek approval to the proposed amendments to the Authority’s Contract Standing Orders.
Members noted that the Authority had last undertaken a comprehensive review of the Authority’s Contract Standing Orders in June 2012, where minor changes had been made, which had improved the tender handling process and had taken account of legislative changes.
A Frosdick referred to a number of changes required to the Authority’s Contract Standing Orders, to reflect the changes to the roles and responsibilities arising out of changes in officer roles, and he suggested slight increases in thresholds to move quotations to formal tender processes of £25,000 up to £75,000.
A Frosdick requested the Authority’s discretion to modify the wording to change the reference to ‘Part B services’ to ‘light touch services’, which had not been fully picked up in the changes to the 2015 Regulations.
Councillor Scott requested that A Frosdick gave consideration for reference to be made within the standard procurement items that the Authority would prefer support and give appropriate weighting to a living wage, which would project a positive statement.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Approved the revised Contract Standing Orders.
ii) Agreed that an additional amendment be made to the Contract Standing Orders, to change the reference to ‘Part B services’ to ‘light touch services’.
iii) Noted that A Frosdick would amend the guidance which accompanied the Contract Standing Orders to indicate that the Authority would prefer support for and where permitted, give relevant weighting to the payment of a living wage.
16 REVENUE ESTIMATES 2016/17 - ADMINISTRATION AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EXPENSES
A report of the Treasurer was submitted to consider the Authority’s draft revenue estimates for 2016/17 in respect of administration and investment management expenses, in the context of the continuing financial constraints facing public services, and to approve the levy under the Levying Bodies (General) Regulations 1992.
Councillor Ellis commented that the Authority’s accommodation costs were in the top quartile across the UK. She suggested that the matter be reviewed to establish whether changes could be made to bring this in line with what might be expected.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Approved the revised estimates for 2015/16 in the sum of £6,120,000.
Page 25 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
ii) Approved a levy of £504,000 for 2016/17 in accordance with The Levying Bodies (General) Regulations 1992.
iii) Noted the preliminary forecasts for 2016/17, and to refer the estimates to the District Councils for comment.
iv) Agreed that accommodation costs for the Pensions Service be reviewed to determine whether they reflected the going market rate.
17 BOARD CHAIRS' REPORT
Councillor Ellis referred to the specialised Authority meetings on pooling arrangements, and it was noted that the Authority was slowly moving to a suitable position. Members would be updated further at the Extraordinary Authority meeting on 10 December.
Councillor Ellis commented that the timetable for the replacement of the Fund Director was progressing as expected. The Pension Fund Annual Meeting had been held on 22 October at Doncaster Racecourse. Members had commented that the venue had been an excellent choice with good acoustics; written questions received prior to the meeting had been incorporated into the general presentations provided. Members noted that the next Pension Fund Annual Meeting would be held in Barnsley.
18 ANNUAL REVIEW OF RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
A report of the Clerk was submitted to review the Authority’s Risk Management Policy and the Corporate Risk Register. Members noted that the current Risk Management Policy had been agreed and last reviewed by the Authority in April 2010.
M McCarthy commented that the Corporate Risk Register had been considered at the recent Corporate Planning and Governance Board meeting. M McCarthy sought Members’ approval for a review to be undertaken in collaboration with A Hunt, the Risk and Governance Manager at BMBC, in order to present a series of options or a draft proposal for the Authority moving forwards.
M McCarthy requested Members to disregard the information at paragraph 4.4 of the report.
Councillor Sangar expressed concern in terms of the future changes to the LGPS and the new pensions system; he queried how the Authority could reduce the risk rating from high, given that most of the challenges were uncontrollable.
M McCarthy commented that it was possible to have a significant risk, providing that it was adequately managed and that mitigations were in place to manage it.
Councillor Scott commented that there were too many occasions where several lead officers had been assigned to a risk, rather than having one assigned lead owner; he sought assurance that the Corporate Risk Register linked into the Work Programme.
Councillor Ellis commented that the Work Programme would be revised to reflect the Corporate Risk Register.
Page 26 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
A Frosdick added that reference would also be made to the Corporate Risk Register in the Annual Governance Statement.
Councillor Lodge referred to Risk 6 ‘Introduction of New Pensions Administration System’, and he queried when this would move out of the high risk rating.
G Chapman commented that the backlog of work was expected to return to normal levels by the end of year. It was hoped that when Civica attended the Authority Meeting on 14 January 2016, that they would provide Members with assurance of their commitment in making the system more efficient in terms of the bulk jobs undertaken; it was envisaged that the risk rating could then be reduced at that point.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Noted the Risk Management Policy attached at Appendix A to the report.
ii) Considered the Corporate Risk Register attached at Appendix B to the report.
iii) Agreed that a review of the Authority’s Risk Management Policy be undertaken in advance of the Annual Meeting, in collaboration with A Hunt, Risk and Governance Manager at BMBC, in order to present a series of options or a draft proposal for the Authority moving forwards.
iv) The Work Programme be revised to incorporate the work taking place on the Corporate Risk Register.
19 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000: ANNUAL REPORT
A report of the Clerk was presented to provide Members with an update of the Freedom of Information requests.
Members noted that the Authority had responded to all requests within the 20 day limit required by the Act. It had taken approximately 56 hours of officer time to complete the requests, and no charges had been made for retrieving the information, photocopying or postage; there had been no requests for internal reviews and no complaints had been received in relation to any disclosure.
A discussion ensued in relation to FOI requests received from data collecting commercial organisations, the costs of which had not exceeded the threshold.
A Frosdick referred to a Government working party to review the legislations and to determine whether the range of exemptions should be more focused in terms of the reason why the information was requested. A national review process was currently being undertaken following the Act having been enforced for a number of years.
Councillor Ellis commented that the Authority’s views in relation to FOI requests received from data collecting commercial organisations, could be included in the response to the Government. If such requests increased, individuals could be made aware of the cost incurred to the Authority.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
Page 27 Pensions Authority: Thursday 3 December 2015
i) Noted the contents of the report.
ii) Agreed that the Authority’s views in relation to FOI requests received from data collecting commercial organisations would be included in the response to the Government.
20 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest not to disclose information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.
21 VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT - REQUEST TO WAIVE ACTUARIAL REDUCTIONS ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS
A report of the Head of Pensions Administration was submitted to seek a decision from Members in relation to a request from an Authority employee to waive actuarial reductions on compassionate grounds upon their voluntary retirement.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Reviewed the evidence presented by the employee at Appendix A to the report.
ii) Agreed to waive all actuarial reductions as specified within the report.
22 HUMAN RESOURCES - JNC OFFICERS' JOB EVALUATIONS
A report of the Fund Director was presented to seek Members’ views on the proposed amendments to the current salaries of the Service’s senior management team.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Agreed that the current salaries of the senior management team be uplifted to recognise the current roles and market factors. Councillors Sangar and Scott voted against the decision
ii) Would consider an appropriate job title for the current Fund Director.
iii) Agreed that the Authority considered earmarking monies for leadership and management development in this and future financial years for organisational development and succession planning.
CHAIR
Page 28 Item 8
SOUTH YORKSHIRE PENSIONS AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING
10 DECEMBER 2015
PRESENT: Councillor S Ellis (Chair) Councillor R Wraith (Vice-Chair) Councillors: E Butler, B Lodge, H Mirfin-Boukouris, K Rodgers, A Sangar, J Scott, M Stowe, J Wood and K Wyatt
Councillors: I Auckland, S Cox, D Leech and B Mordue (SYPTPF Committee)
Trade Unions: G Warwick (GMB) and F Tyas (UCATT)
Investment Advisors: L Robb and N MacKinnon
Officers: J Hattersley (Fund Director SYPA), S Smith (Head of Investments SYPA), F Bourne (Administration Officer SYPA), F Foster (Treasurer), M McCarthy (Deputy Clerk) and A Shirt (Senior Democratic Services Officer)
LPB Observers: G Boyington and S Ross
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor B Webster, Councillor M Godfrey, R Askwith, A Frosdick, J Bell, T Gardener and E Lambert (SYPTPF)
1 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were noted as above.
2 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS.
RESOLVED – That agenda item 4 ‘Government Consultation on LGPS’ be considered in the absence of the public and press.
3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
None.
4 GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION ON LGPS
A report of the Fund Director was presented to advise Members that the Government had issued consultation and guidance papers relating to the pooling of LGPS Investments to reduce costs.
The consultation proposed to revoke and replace the current Local Government Pension Scheme (Management and Investment of Funds) Regulations 2009 with the draft regulations set out within the consultation paper. The deadline for initial responses is 19 February 2016 with refined and completed submissions by 15 July 2016.
Page 29 Pensions Authority: Thursday 10 December 2015
The proposals included:
Removing some of the existing prescribed means of securing a diversified investment strategy and instead placing the onus on authorities to determine the balance of their investments and taking account of risk.
Introducing safeguards to ensure that the more flexible legislation being proposed is used appropriately and that the guidance on pooling assets is adhered to. This included a suggested power to allow the Secretary of State to intervene in the investment function of an administering authority when necessary.
Members noted that submissions should include a commitment to pooling and a description of their progress towards formalising their arrangements with other authorities. Authorities could choose whether to make individual or joint submissions, or both, at this first stage.
Members reaffirmed that one of their key aspirations to be delivered under any pooling solution, was the preservation of internal investment management, if possible.
Members authorised officers to continue discussions with potential partner funds, as outlined at today’s meeting.
RESOLVED – That Members:- i) Agreed that the Authority submits both an individual and joint submission to Government’s first stage of consultation. ii) Endorsed officers to continue discussions with potential partner funds, as outlined at today’s meeting. iii) Agreed that, at an appropriate time, when the Chair, Vice-Chair, Section 41 Members and the Fund Director are content with the proposed future arrangements, an official announcement is made regarding South Yorkshire Pension Fund’s future pooling arrangements. iv) Agreed an initial budget of £10,000 for expenses incurred during the discussions relating to pooling. v) Requested that a Special Meeting of the Authority be arranged for February 2016 to consider the Authority’s draft consultation response to Government.
CHAIR
Page 30 Item 9 1F POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15
POLICE AND CRIME PANEL Friday, 27th November, 2015
Present:-
Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Councillor M. Dyson Councillor R. Frost
Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council Councillor A. Jones Councillor G. Jones
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council Councillor E. Wallis
Sheffield City Council Councillor J. Armstrong Councillor J. Otten Councillor S. Richards
Co-opted Members Mr. A. Carter Mr. Chufungleung
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J. Campbell (Sheffield), C. McGuiness (Doncaster) and C. Vines (Rotherham).
F27. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR
27.1 Due to the long term absence of Councillor Bowler, nominations were sought for the position of Chair for the remainder of the 2015/16 Municipal Year.
Action: That Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards be appointed Chair until the Annual Meeting. Councillor Sioned-Mair Richards in the Chair
F28. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
28.1 A member of the public asked the following question:-
“As a layman and member of the public I have been led to believe and had the understanding that the Police Force as a whole was free from external influences with the mandate to keep the peace and maintain the law within society, therefore, free of external influences. If you accept the above in principle, can you explain why advertising on Police cars in South Yorkshire?”
Page 31 POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15 2F
28.2 Due to this question being of an operational nature, it was a matter for the Police Force and the Police Commissioner. The question will be forwarded directly to South Yorkshire Police.
28.3 A member of the press asked the following question:-
“Could you provide more explanation about why the Hillsborough costs item will be private? Which ‘individuals” does the exempt information refer to, and why is information about them exempt when it is the subject of a public inquest, with the legal fees of senior ex-SYP officers funded by South Yorkshire tax payers and previously revealed in published spending records?”
28.4 Stuart Fletcher, Legal Adviser, reported that, following the previous Police and Crime Panel meeting, the Coroner’s Office had contacted Rotherham Council in respect of the Hillsborough inquest in relation to possible Contempt of Court issues. As a result the papers that had been before the Panel had been removed from the website immediately and it was felt, going forward, that any issues relating to Hillsborough in the future should be dealt with in the confidential section of the meeting.
28.5 A member of the public asking the following questions:-
“At your meeting on 29th June, it was reported that Professor John Drew had been commissioned to review CSE in parts of South Yorkshire not covered by the Jay and Casey reports on Rotherham.
(a) When do you expect this review to be complete and the results publicised?
The comprehensive Engagement Strategy presented at the 16th October is welcome but may take time to implement e.g. PACT meetings, soon to be Community Safety meetings, which would require involvement from other partners e.g. Council, Fire and Rescue, NHS, Local Police Teams etc. which is not obvious in some areas.
(b) Can we suggest that satisfactory progress is monitored by a Scrutiny Committee with feedback from ordinary community members?”
28.6 With regard to question (a), the Police and Crime Commissioner reported that the review had commenced in September. Following a period of scoping it would conclude in late December, 2015/early January, 2016. It would be reported to the Police and Crime Panel shortly afterwards.
28.7 With regard to question (b), the Chair reported that scrutiny of the Police and Crime Commissioner was work undertaken by the Panel and, therefore, would scrutinise the Engagement Strategy and how it was implemented. The Police and Crime Commissioner’s own Governance and Assurance Board would scrutinise the delivery of the Engagement
Page 32 3F POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15
Strategy by the Force and Engagement Officers within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Legislation prescribed that the Police and Crime Panels were in place to scrutinise Commissioners in exercise of their statutory functions. It was, therefore, for this Police and Crime Panel to determine how it wished to perform that duty generally and specifically in relation to the progress being made to deliver the Strategy. The Commissioner was happy to provide regular updates to this Panel if it required such.
Members of the public were welcome to attend Panel meetings and ask questions. There were independent members on the Panel that reflected the community and organisations as well as Members who were Elected Members of the community. Action: That the panel receives 6 monthly reports on the delivery of the Engagement Strategy - OPCC
F29. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 16TH OCTOBER, 2015
29.1 Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting of the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 16th October, 2015. Action: That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16th October, 2015, be approved for signature by the Chair.
F30. CSE UPDATE
30.1 In light of the communication from the Coroner’s Court (see Minute No. 28), part of this item would be considered in the confidential part of the meeting due to possible Contempt of Court.
30.2 Dr. Alan Billings, the Police and Crime Commissioner, reported that as yet none of the Police Officers (both serving and retired) referred to the IPCC had been interviewed as yet. He had met representatives from the IPCC and urged them to speed up the process. He had been assured that additional resources would be employed. Other issues that were not directly related to the conduct of Officers but in relation to the culture of the Police Force itself had been picked up by Professor John Drew’s report.
30.3 Disappointment was expressed that the interviewing of Officers had not commenced. Action:- That a letter be sent to the IPCC expressing the Panel’s disappointment with regard to the lack of progress – Immediate.
F31. REVISED COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
31.1 Stuart Fletcher, Legal Adviser, submitted the current Complaints Procedure with suggested revisions.
Page 33 POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15 4F
31.2 The initial handling of complaints had previously been delegated by the Panel to the Monitoring Officer. However, following a review of the current procedure, an alternative means of operating the Procedure was proposed as set out in the flow chart at Appendix 1 of the report submitted. This was based on the procedure adopted by Hampshire PCP, amongst others, and which had been referred to in publications of the LGA as being good practice.
31.3 The revised procedure allowed for a ‘triage/role for the Chief Executive of the OPCC following delegation of receipt and initial handling and recording functions of the Panel.
31.4 Members of the public may view the complaints process as not sufficiently independent should the proposed revisions be approved. However, there were a number of factors which would provide reassurance:-
Regulation 13(1-3) required cases which were serious and criminal in nature to be investigated by the IPCC
The Panel would monitor any ‘triage’ of complaints to check that complaints were sifted in a fair and transparent way. It was proposed that the ‘triage of complaints’ would be carried out in consultation with an Independent Member of the Panel
If a complaint was made to a PCC about their own conduct, the PCC had to inform the Panel (under Regulation 9(4))
The PCC or other relevant officer could not deal with complaints about themselves (Regulation 7(2))
Ability of the IPCC to compel the Panel to record and refer a particular matter if it considers it to be in the public interest to do so
Home Office did not consider that such a role for the Chief Executive of the OPCC represented a conflict of interest
31.5 If approved, the Chief Executive, in conjunction with an Independent Member of the Panel, would consider:-
whether the complaint was a complaint against the Commissioner;
was a complaint for which the Panel was the relevant Police and Crime Panel;
whether it was a complaint at all or was a complaint relating to an operational matter of South Yorkshire Police to be resolved in accordance with the Force’s complaints procedures.
31.6 The report included a flowchart illustrating the proposed handling of a complaint.
Page 34 5F POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15
31.7 Discussion ensued on the proposal with the following issues raised/clarified:-
The proposed revision to procedure was seen as a more efficient way of dealing with matters. Officers in the OPCC had the experience and knowledge of dealing with such matters rather than the current practice
Does the handling of the complaints by the Commissioner’s Office not seem to be a less transparent process than the one in operation currently? Why take the risk of being less transparent?
In accordance with the Regulations, any issues would be referred onto the IPCC or the Panel and any deviation would be in breach of the Regulations
The Panel had limited resources and it was felt that if the initial handling of complaints could be delegated to the OPCC the Panel’s resources could be used differently. There was no suggestion whatsoever that the PCP would no longer handle complaints about the Commissioner
The most popular mechanism across the country for handling complaints was for the initial role to be delegated to the OPCC.
31.8 Mr. Carter, Independent Member, felt that the Independent Member would play a role in the new procedure, more so than within the present process which he felt was not transparent enough and that there was a far more efficient way of dealing with complaints than currently adopted. The Panel needed to monitor/report on complaints to the Panel on a regular basis. The revised procedure should be implemented with himself and his fellow colleague undertaking to report to each Panel meeting of any complaint(s) there had been and what their involvement had been to assure the Panel that matters were being dealt with in a proper and responsible manner.
31.9 Mr. Chufungleung requested information on the following:- Clarity as to whether the procedure would just be applicable to the Commissioner himself or the OPPC and if not and the complaint was with regard to the OPCC, what was the procedure for those? Yes the procedure only related to the Police and Crime Commissioner as set down in the Legislation. However, the Home Office was looking at a national Code of Conduct for Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners.
With regard to transparency, an Independent Member would sit with the Chief Executive in the early stages of the process and witness the decision making and exercise of judgement to reassure themselves and the Panel that the duty had been exercised efficiently.
Page 35 POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15 6F
If the complaint was to be dealt with by the Panel, it appeared that the only possible outcomes would be Informal Resolution and the IPCC. Were there other complaints in between that could be potentially dealt with by other means? The OPCC had its own internal complaints procedure, details of which were available on the website. There was a large section on informal resolution and the IPCC but there were other means, as set out in the report submitted, of the Chief Executive fulfilling the triage role.
To go straight to the Panel’s Complaints Sub-Committee may seem to be overkill particularly if something had been resolved informally. Why did it have to go to the Complaints Sub-Committee? A matter would not be referred straight to the Sub-Committee; if it appeared that the issue could be resolved through discussion/correspondence that would be the route pursued.
Was there an appeal process There was no appeal in these circumstances.
Was there a route to the Local Government Ombudsman if the procedure had been exhausted? There was a route to the Ombudsman if a complainant was not satisfied.
Having heard the above, Councillor Otten still felt concerned with regard to the issue of transparency and opposed the proposal to revise the procedure. Action:- (1) That the receipt, initial handling and recording of complaints in respect of the Police and Crime Commissioner be delegated to the Chief Executive of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
(2) That a revised Complaints Procedure and Protocol be prepared based on the changes set out in the report submitted.
F32. UPDATE ON THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS
32.1 Stuart Fletcher, Legal Adviser, presented a report on the handling of complaints received against the Police and Crime Commissioner.
32.2 The following complaints had been resolved:-
1. A complaint that the Police and Crime Commissioner had used his official tax payers funded office to promote his own religious activities and his book by means of issuing a press release.
Page 36 7F POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15
The Police and Crime Commissioner had issued a statement apologising for asking the OPCC’s communications team to release a press notice he had written to publicise a seminar he was leading on with regard to his book.
This had been an acceptable outcome to the complainant and, therefore, the complaint was considered resolved.
2. A complaint in relation to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s declaration of interest form in that it appeared that the Commissioner did not live anywhere in South Yorkshire or he was not declaring it.
The Commissioner, to remove any doubt, had now made it clear on the form that he owned a flat in Sheffield jointly with his wife. He had asked for the guidance notes to be amended to ensure clarity in the future.
This was an acceptable outcome to the complainant and, therefore, the complaint was considered resolved.
3. Councillor C. Vines, a Police and Crime Panel member, had raised an issue in respect of the previous Crime Commissioner’s security costs being paid for by the tax payer which to date had not been recovered. Councillor Vines had requested that the matter be considered by the Panel.
The OPCC had confirmed that information relating to the home security of the previous Commissioner had been published on the PCC’s website in response to a number of Freedom of Information requests.
The OPCC had confirmed that any equipment that would not cause damage to the property if removed had been received on 22nd October, 2014, to the value of £6,172.00. The work had been completed at no cost to the taxpayer.
32.3 There were three other complaints which were the subject of ongoing informal resolution the conclusion of which would be reported to future Panel meetings. Action: That the report be received and the contents noted.
Page 37 POLICE AND CRIME PANEL - 27/11/15 8F
F33. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
Resolved:- That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (contains information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime and information relating to the financial affairs of particular persons).
F34. CSE UPDATE
34.1 Dr. Alan Billings, Police and Crime Commissioner, gave a brief verbal update in respect of those Police Officers being investigated in relation to child sexual exploitation. Action:- That the report be noted.
F35. THE FUNDING OF HILLSBOROUGH LEGAL COSTS
35.1 Dr. Alan Billings, Police and Crime Commissioner, presented an update on the funding of legal costs relating to the Hillsborough Inquests.
35.2 This item was considered in the confidential part of the meeting in accordance with the Coroner’s Directive. Action: That the report be noted.
F36. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS
Action:- That meetings be held during the remainder of the Municipal Year as follows all commencing at 11.00 a.m.:-
15th January, 2016 (subject to change) 4th March 15th April 27th May
Page 38 Item 10
SOUTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
30 NOVEMBER 2015
PRESENT: Councillor J Andrews BEM (Chair) Councillor A Atkin (Vice-Chair) Councillors: S Ayris, A Buckley, A Cave, G Furniss, P Haith, E Hughes, R Munn and C Ransome
CFO J Courtney, DCFO J Roberts, ACFO M Blunden, S Howe and M Wright (South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service)
A Frosdick, J Bell, F Foster, M McCarthy, L Noble and M McCoole (BMBC)
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S M Richards, Councillor J Satur and B Sandy
1 APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence were noted as above.
2 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
3 URGENT ITEMS
None.
4 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That Item 17 entitled ‘Disposal of Sites’ be considered in the absence of the public and press.
5 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS IN RELATION TO ANY ITEM OF BUSINESS ON THE AGENDA
None.
6 REPORTS BY MEMBERS
In her capacity as Lead Member for Equality and Inclusion, Councillor Cave had attended a meeting with the officers from the Service on 22 October, to discuss concerns that the Fire Authority’s momentum around equality and inclusion would slip following the dissolution of the Workforce and Organisational Board in September, and also to ensure that the Fire Authority continued to be compliant with the Equality Duty. Councillor Cave had received reassurance that the Authority was compliant in terms of the legislation. From spring 2016 an annual report would be produced which would cover legal requirements and what the Service had been doing to meet its equality and inclusion objectives. Externally, equality and inclusion was managed within Prevention and Protection and reported via the Stakeholder Engagement BoardPage (SEB); 39 links between the FRA and SEB in Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 30 November 2015 terms of reporting needed to be strengthened. Members had expressed concerns as to how equality and inclusion would be monitored, and this could be reported to the Fire Authority within the People Strategy. A brief session would be held at the conclusion of the Fire Authority Meeting on 4 January 2016 to discuss how equality and inclusion would be reported in the future. Additionally, it was important that Members had access to learning and development on the subject. Councillor Cave confirmed that an awareness session for new Members would be held in the New Year.
Councillor Atkin gave thanks to the staff at the Lifewise Centre, for the recent update on the Service’s strategies to keep people safe in the home. He had also attended the opening of the Dementia Café at Adwick Fire Station last week. Councillor Atkin thanked everyone involved in project, and in particular the volunteers, and he looked forward to this being rolled out into community rooms across the County.
Councillor Ransome had attended the Doncaster School for the Deaf with Councillors Atkin and Munn for an SSCR cheque presentation. She encouraged Members to visit the school.
Councillor Haith had attended the opening of the Stocksbridge First Responder, where she had spoken to firefighters. She had also visited Thorne Fire Station where she had listened to CPC concerns, in particular gaining entry into properties when YAS had not provided backup, together with concerns that the black fleece jackets did not match the navy uniforms. Councillor Haith gave thanks to S Helps and A Thompson for her visit to the Lifewise Centre in relation to the initiatives with DMBC with the Health and Wellbeing Board and working with SYFR.
Councillor Hughes gave thanks to Thorne Fire Station, following her recent visit where she had watched a training demonstration. She also gave thanks to the organisers following her recent visit to the Emergency Fire Services Museum.
Councillor Buckley referred to the recent Scrutiny Board meeting where a presentation on outcome based accountability and home safety checks had been received; the presentation would be scheduled for a future Fire Authority meeting, and a copy would be forwarded onto all Members together with a key issues paper. The Scrutiny Board had recommended that CPC be removed as a standing agenda item, to be revisited upon the conclusion of the building works.
Councillor Cave referred to a visit with Councillor Andrews to the Lifewise Centre. There is an issue with some Barnsley schools not taking up the offer to visit, but she and Councillor Andrews would liaise with the necessary officers within Barnsley MBC.
Councillor Andrews commented that the Lifewise Centre was free of charge, but some schools could not attend due to travel costs. Members noted that S Helps and ACFO Blunden were working to include the NHS element within the Lifewise Centre, which would provide a wrap-around service for Year 6 children.
Councillor Munn, in his capacity as Business Continuity Lead Member, had met with the Emergency Planning Officer who had assured him that all appropriate measures were in place. He had also visited the National Emergency Services Museum, an SSCR cheque presentation at the Da Hood Boxing Club, a visit to the Doncaster Deaf School and the PageLifewise 40 Centre. Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 30 November 2015
7 RECEIPT OF PETITIONS
None.
8 TO RECEIVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None.
9 MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY MEETING HELD ON 19 OCTOBER 2015
Councillor Haith enquired how negotiations were progressing in relation to the aerial appliance at Doncaster.
DCFO Roberts commented that this would be implemented in line with the IRMP, as it had not been possible to reach an outcome between the Service and the FBU.
Councillor Hughes commented that she had not received statistical data around the use of the aerial appliance in the last 5 years for South Yorkshire, and in particular Doncaster. ACFO Blunden commented that he would email the information onto Councillor Hughes today.
Councillor Hughes had recently re-visited the Control Room to follow up on a number of issues previously raised. Staff had indicated that, on occasions, the whole system had closed down for 20 minute periods.
DCFO Roberts commented that the issue in relation to the computer system for emergency and non-emergency telephone calls had now been resolved. A system was in place for WYFR to automatically receive SYFR’s calls if the system closed down. The Service continued to apply pressure onto Systel, the system provider, to ensure that improvements were continuously made. A number of other Fire and Rescue Authorities used the Systel system which included West Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, and tenders had been put out for North Wales, Scotland and Essex.
Councillor Andrews queried whether any problems had been encountered with Systel at West Yorkshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Services.
DCFO Roberts reported that the system was bespoke for each individual Fire and Rescue Service but, generally, every Service had encountered the same problems as South Yorkshire.
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 19 October 2015 be agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
10 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS RELATING TO FUTURE CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive was submitted following a request from Members at the last Fire Authority meeting to be provided with further details and costing in relation to options 3 and 4 of the future arrangements for contingency. The report highlighted the costs of both options based on the current contingency establishment and anyPage potential 41 risks associated with those options. Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 30 November 2015
RESOLVED – That Members agreed:-
i) To option 4 of the future arrangements for contingency.
ii) A letter be sent on behalf of the Fire Authority to the Fire Minister to urge a resolution to the pensions dispute.
11 ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2014/15
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive and Clerk was submitted to present Members with the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Annual Report for 2014/15.
DCFO Roberts commented that it was a priority for Fire and Rescue Authorities, under the Fire and Rescue National Framework for England, to be accountable to communities for the service that they provided, which included transparency, accountability and scrutiny arrangements. It was necessary for all Fire and Rescue Authorities to publish an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) and an Annual Statement of Assurance to help meet those expectations.
Members noted that the Annual Report, which detailed its performance and achievements over the past year, would be available on the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s website.
DCFO Roberts commented that the Service endeavoured to engage with as many partners agencies as possible; national data had been received from the Department of Work and Pensions for people over the age of 65, which was the most vulnerable age group. A data sharing inventory was being produced to collate all sources of data received.
Councillor Ayris queried why the review of the Emergency Call Management Performance systems had not yet been implemented, due to issues with the new system.
DCFO Roberts referred to problems encountered in transferring information from the system onto the analysts. Progress was being made to resolve the issue.
Councillor Haith expressed concern at the increased number of fire deaths and injuries in 2014/15 in comparison to 2013/14.
CFO Courtney commented that this had resulted from an unfortunate incident earlier in the year that had resulted in 5 fatalities which had significantly impacted on the 2014/15 figures.
Councillor Furniss welcomed a discussion with the Service and SY Police in relation to the high volume of vehicle arson incidents in the Fox Hill area of Sheffield; a total of 14 cars had been set alight since January 2015.
DCFO Roberts commented that the Service was engaged in dialogue with SY Police around vehicle arson in this area.
Page 42 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 30 November 2015
Councillor Atkin suggested that the report be distributed to all elected Members within South Yorkshire. He would convey the message back to RMBC, to indicate the great work undertaken by the Service in such financial difficulties.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Noted and approved the report.
ii) Agreed that the report be distributed to all elected Members within South Yorkshire.
12 CONFERENCE REPRESENTATION - LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (LGA) ANNUAL FIRE CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION - 8-9 MARCH 2016
A report of the Clerk to the Fire and Rescue Authority was submitted in relation to the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition 2016 on 8-9 March 2016, at the Marriott Hotel, City Centre, Bristol.
M McCarthy commented that Member representation had been sought, and provisional bookings had been made.
RESOLVED – That Members approved representation at the LGA Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition 2016.
13 SEPTEMBER 2015 PROJECTED OUTTURN REPORT
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive and Treasurer was presented to inform Members of the projected revenue and capital spend for the 2015/16 financial year based on the first six months of the year and taking into account other known factors.
Councillor Ayris queried the projected underspend of £100,000 for smoke alarms.
ACFO Blunden commented that 35,000 smoke alarms had been installed during 2010/11, and a greater focus would now be placed upon vulnerable people within the home. This issue had been raised at Scrutiny Board on 26 November.
Councillor Buckley commented that the Home Safety Checks presentation on the outcome-based performance received at the recent Scrutiny Board meeting would be presented to a future Fire Authority meeting.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the report.
14 MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY
A report of the Treasurer and Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive was submitted to provide Members with context and assumptions behind the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) which would form the basis to the Authority’s budget setting process for 2016/17 and beyond.
Members noted that it was likely that the report would be updated once the details of the Local Government Settlement were known.
RESOLVED – That Members:- Page 43 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 30 November 2015
i) Noted the information provided within the report.
ii) Would receive an updated position when the details of the recent Local Government Settlement had been examined.
15 MALTBY UPDATE
M Wright informed Members of the proposal to close Maltby Fire Station, and to relocate into Hellaby Police Station. The project was on target to be opened in the summer of 2016. Kier, the appointed construction partner, would provide a price for the specification agreed by SYFR and SYP.
A report would be presented to the Fire Authority meeting in January 2016, at which point the specification, price and finalised programme would be available.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the verbal update.
16 EQUALITY AND INCLUSION UPDATE
DCFO Roberts informed Members that a report would be presented to a future Fire Authority meeting on the compliance against equality duties and staff profile, together with a refreshed People Strategy.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the verbal update.
17 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest not to disclose information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.
18 DISPOSAL OF SITES
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive was submitted to update Members regarding the planned disposal of the three vacated fire stations.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Confirmed the acceptance of ‘Offer B’ for Mosborough Fire Station site, subject to the conditions set out in the report.
ii) Instructed the Head of Asset Management to remarket the sites at Darnall and Mansfield Road by private treaty.
CHAIR
Page 44 Item 11
SOUTH YORKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
4 JANUARY 2016
PRESENT: Councillor J Andrews BEM (Chair) Councillor A Atkin (Vice-Chair) Councillors: S Ayris, A Buckley, A Cave, G Furniss, P Haith, R Munn, C Ransome, S M Richards and J Satur
CFO J Courtney, DCFO J Roberts, ACFO M Blunden, B Sandy, M Wright and M Topham (South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service)
D Terris, A Frosdick, J Bell, F Foster, R Winter, M McCarthy, L Noble and M McCoole (Barnsley MBC)
An apology for absence was received from Councillor E Hughes
1 APOLOGIES
An apology for absence was noted as above.
2 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
3 URGENT ITEMS
None.
4 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That the following agenda items be considered in the absence of the public and press:-
Item 17 ‘Proposals for Change – Fire Control’.
Item 18 ‘Employment Tribunal Outcome’.
5 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS IN RELATION TO ANY ITEM OF BUSINESS ON THE AGENDA
None.
6 REPORTS BY MEMBERS
Councillor Haith wished to convey the Authority’s thanks to the firefighters involved in the recent flood actions throughout the country.
Councillor Atkin had recently attended the opening of the Dementia Café at Adwick Fire Station. Councillor Atkin wished to thank all of the volunteers involved in the
Page 45 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
project, and he looked forward to this being rolled out into community rooms across the County.
Councillor Buckley had attended the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards on 4 December in London. A total of 150 brigades had entered the competition, and the Service had been one of five brigades to reach the finals for its Stronger Safer Communities Reserve Fund. Councillor Buckley hoped that the scheme would continue and it would be entered into the competition next year.
7 RECEIPT OF PETITIONS
None.
8 TO RECEIVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
M McCarthy referred to various correspondence received, which had been shared and acknowledged by Members.
9 MINUTES OF THE AUTHORITY MEETING HELD ON 30 NOVEMBER 2015
Councillor Ayris queried whether any progress had been made with Systel, the computer system provider for emergency and non-emergency telephone calls.
DCFO Roberts commented that the final development had been delivered before Christmas and would be updated onto the system this week, which was hoped to provide a significant improvement.
RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Authority meeting held on 30 November 2015 be agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
10 MINUTES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SPECIAL AUDIT COMMITTEE HELD ON 14 DECEMBER 2015
Councillor Richards, Chair of the Audit Committee, gave thanks to Members, Independent Members and R Winter for attending the Audit Committee meeting on 14 December, where Members had agreed all 19 recommendations.
Councillor Richards referred to communication received since the meeting from an Independent Member, who had requested to decline or to not be part of Recommendation 18, and also that Councillor Ayris had suggested an amendment to one of the recommendations; Members were provided with a copy of the suggested amendment.
A Frosdick informed Members that the Authority did not have the capacity to amend the minutes of another committee, and that any comments on the suggested amendment would need to be raised as a motion within the Standing Orders at the next Audit Committee meeting. A Frosdick commented that if the subject matter was to be debated, then 7 days’ notice would be required prior to the meeting to be considered at the next Authority meeting.
Page 46 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
Councillor Andrews thanked the Audit Committee for their work and for the lessons to be learned from it. In response to the recommendations, Councillor Andrews made the following statement:-
‘The reasons the overtime payments were paid was to ensure proper cover of the Service by senior managers during the duration of the dispute. This was to ensure protection of the public and proper oversight of the contingency arrangements. I believed that a previous precedent had been set and that delegated authority was in place for myself and for the CFO to agree this. It was also following advice from the CFO on what levels of cover were required to fulfil the public protection responsibilities we have. People have asked me why this was not reported to Members at the time. As I explained I believed delegated authority was in place and I assumed these actions would be appropriately reported. Clearly, with hindsight this was not done and should have been and Members given the opportunity to consider them. There are clearly lessons for us to learn. I regret and I am sorry that this process did not happen as it should and obviously for the uncertainty and damage to confidence that has resulted. I am pleased to have this opportunity to explain things more fully and I welcome the decision of the CFO to reimburse the Service, albeit nothing unlawful took place, as the investigation has shown.
The most important thing now is for the Service and the Committee to implement the Audit Committee’s recommendations and for us, together, to rebuild trust and confidence that may have been lost. It is my intention to ensure this work is implemented over the weeks and months ahead, and I look forward to us working on this together’.
Councillor Richards commented that the Audit Committee would oversee the implementation of the recommendations and that any issues would be reported by exception to the Authority, to ensure that Members were clear that the Audit Committee undertook its responsibilities seriously and to ensure that the recommendations were fully implemented.
Councillor Atkin accepted all 19 recommendations and this was seconded by Councillor Furniss.
RESOLVED – That Members noted that the Audit Committee would monitor the recommendations to completion.
11 2016/17 DRAFT BUDGET
A report of the Clerk, Treasurer and Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive was presented which set out the implications of the provisional finance settlement together with the latest draft budget for 2016/17.
On 17 December 2015 the provisional settlement had been announced, and the current indications were that the Authority would lose almost £1.7m in settlement funding in 2016/17 when compared to 2015/16. This figure showed a favourable variance of almost £0.4m when compared to the forecast reported in November 2015.
Page 47 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
The Government had announced that the Council Tax referendum limit would remain at 2% for 2016/17, and had confirmed that it was not offering a council tax freeze grant in 2016/17. Members noted that it was hoped the final settlements would be received in the upcoming weeks, and that a report seeking final approval would be brought to the February 2016 Authority meeting.
Councillor Richards commented that other fire authorities installed cold alarms, and she queried whether there was provision for this in the budget.
ACFO Blunden commented that SYFR endeavoured to work in collaboration with the four metropolitan boroughs to deliver Winter Warm Packs to the most vulnerable which included the provision of blankets and heating machine top up cards together with the referral onto partner agencies for loft and cavity installation etc.
Councillor Richards requested further information on the work of the four metropolitan boroughs on the Winter Warm Packs.
M Topham referred to the proposals presented to the Authority in the Autumn to work in collaboration with Humberside Fire and Rescue on HR and occupational health matters. Internal consultation exercises had now been completed at each Service and the outcomes were being considered with a view to reporting back to a future Authority meeting. Consideration was being given to whether there was scope for occupational health to be outsourced, whether it should be a joint service, or for both organisations to maintain standalone occupational health units.
Councillor Andrews suggested that the Authority write to the Treasury to establish whether SYFR could be classed as a social care authority which brings with it some financial advantages.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Agreed that the Authority write to the Treasury to establish whether SYFR could be classed as a social care authority.
ii) Received the report and considered the issues raised.
iii) That Councillor Richards be provided with further information on Winter Warm Packs.
12 FRA BUSINESS PLAN - PERFORMANCE MEASURES: JULY 2015 - DECEMBER 2015
A report of the Clerk to the Fire and Rescue Authority was presented to provide Members with the seventh update on the progress against the agreed FRA Business Plan Performance Measures for July 2015 – December 2015, and to invite comments on the content and reporting format.
Members noted that the performance measures remained the same, with the exception of performance measure 1.5 ‘Establishment of the Stronger Safer Communities Reserve’.
Page 48 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
A Frosdick informed Members that the Business Plan could be amended if appropriate, to incorporate additional information.
Members agreed that pre-meeting rooms could be made available for each political party if required.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Noted the six-monthly update.
ii) Provided feedback on the reporting format.
13 METROPOLITAN FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES BENCHMARKING REPORT - 2014/15
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive was submitted to provide Members with an Annual Benchmarking Report that compared South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) to its peers. The report benchmarked against demographic information and current performance measures, as well as providing resourcing comparisons.
Members noted that SYFR was one of the larger geographical areas to be covered. SYFR covered a very similar sized area to London Fire Brigade, although SYFR covered this area with only 40 appliances which was 303 fewer.
Councillor Richards referred to the high proportion of BME and female firefighters in the London Fire Brigade, and she suggested that SYFR should endeavour to recruit a higher proportion of BME and female firefighters, perhaps using the Fire Cadets Scheme. Councillor Richards queried how SYFR compared in relation to response times with other counties who had a similar geographical make-up.
DCFO Roberts commented that SYFR was laying the foundations for the recruitment of BME and female firefighters. SYFR was ranked 16th out of the 45 Fire and Rescue Services which recorded average times. Members noted that Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue provided a good benchmark for SYFR in relation to population and the geographical area. DCFO Roberts referred to the additional work to be undertaken with fire cadets on the youth engagement and the Star Children’s Trust, to be discussed in further detail.
Councillor Furniss commented that it was inappropriate for SYFR to be compared to the London Fire Brigade due to its size and population. Councillor Furniss suggested that the recruitment of BME and female firefighters be discussed further at the Corporate Planning Workshop on 12 January.
RESOLVED – That Members noted the contents of the report.
14 INDEPENDENT CULTURAL REVIEW
RESOLVED – That the report was withdrawn and a further report would be presented to the Authority in due course.
Page 49 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
15 CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT - QUARTER TWO - 2015/16
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive and Clerk and Treasurer was submitted to provide Members with details of the corporate performance for quarter two of 2015/16, and to set out the current position for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s (SYFR’s) suite of Local Performance Indicators (LPIs).
Members noted that the performance report had been examined in detail at the Scrutiny Board meeting in November 2015; the Scrutiny Board now undertook a more themed approach to scrutiny and looked holistically at an area of service or a function.
Councillor Richards referred to the increase in deliberate fires across the whole of the Barnsley District, and said she was pleased that the issue was being addressed through the joint working with South Yorkshire Police and other partners.
Councillor Haith referred to Local Performance Indicator (LPI) 3.17 with a total of 33.33% of officers that had currently completed the Officer’s Safety Critical Course at the end of quarter two, and queried when the 100% target would be reached. Councillor Haith also referred to Priority 2 – Operations LPIs which had incurred an increased time in attending dwelling fires. Councillor Haith queried whether the opening of the two new Sheffield Fire Stations would provide a reduction in attendance times.
DCFO Roberts commented that the Officer’s Safety Critical Course was currently being reviewed to establish whether the course would continue in its current format or whether it would be tailored to senior management level and above. DCFO Roberts reported that, since the introduction of the Fire and Rescue Services Act in 2004, there had been no national standard for response times. Members noted that some improvement, although not a dramatic improvement, in response times was anticipated from the opening of the two new fire stations in Sheffield.
Councillor Buckley gave thanks to the Service for the revised presentation style of the performance report that had been requested by the Scrutiny Board. Members were requested to provide any additional comments on format and presentation to Councillor Buckley or ACFO Blunden.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Noted the contents of the report.
ii) Scrutinised and commented on the information presented in the report.
iii) Agreed to provide any presentation style comments on the performance report onto Councillor Buckley or ACFO Blunden.
16 MALTBY UPDATE
A report of the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive was presented to update Members on the co-location of South Yorkshire Police and Fire and Rescue Services at Maltby Police Station.
Page 50 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
Members noted that, if the proposed design and budget for the project were approved by both SYFR and South Yorkshire Police (SYP), then work would commence on site at Maltby Police Station in March 2016, with the aim for completion in September 2016, at which point the existing fire station at Maltby would become surplus to requirements.
M Wright commented that the co-location would provide improved response times to the areas around the East of Rotherham, Dinnington and Thurcroft, with associated benefits, and an improved working relationship with SYP. It was anticipated that there would be an increase in joint community engagement and safety work which would build upon the work undertaken at the Lifewise Centre and provide joint savings for the two services. The ‘Scope Procure, Minor Works Framework’ had been used to appoint Kier as the project management consultant, and would be a ‘maximum works value contract’ as adopted for Birley and Parkway. Kier would agree a price with RLB who would act as the Authority’s quantity surveyor, and any cost overrun or savings would be funded or retained by Kier. Funding of £640,000 would be provided by SYFR and SYP would make a £8,000 minimum contribution towards facilitating the co-location and building access system.
M Wright had hosted a meeting in November 2015 with Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s (YAS) and SYP’s procurement ICT and property with a view to collaboration across all three services to provide for a standard approach.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Approved the proposals for the implementation of the project and to receive verbal updates at subsequent meetings.
ii) Authorised the Head of Asset Management to dispose of Maltby Fire Station and to report back with offers received in due course.
17 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and the public interest not to disclose information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it.
18 PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE - FIRE CONTROL
A report of the Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Development was submitted in relation to the proposals for change – fire control.
RESOLVED – That a majority Member decision was reached to approve the proposals contained within the ‘Control Review – Proposals for Change’ document.
Page 51 Fire and Rescue Authority Monday 4 January 2016
19 EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL OUTCOME
A report of the Clerk to the Authority was presented to update Members on the outcome of legal proceedings in connection with the Employment Rights Act 1996 claims in connection with Close Proximity Crewing.
RESOLVED – That Members:-
i) Noted the contents of the report.
ii) Authorised the Monitoring Officer to lodge an Appeal against the Employment Tribunal Judgment if deemed necessary.
CHAIR
Page 52 Item 12
SHEFFIELD CITY REGION COMBINED AUTHORITY
THE AMP TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, WAVERLEY, ROTHERHAM, S60 5WG
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 7 DECEMBER 2015
PRESENT:
Councillor Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Barnsley MBC (Chair) Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield BC (Vice Chair)
Councillor Mary Dooley, Bolsover DC Councillor Julie Dore, Sheffield CC Councillor Simon Greaves, Bassetlaw DC Mayor Ros Jones, Doncaster MBC Councillor Chris Read, Rotherham MBC Councillor Lewis Rose OBE, Derbyshire Dales DC
James Newman, SCR Local Enterprise Partnership Ruth Adams, SCR Executive Team Fiona Boden, Sheffield City Region Executive Team Huw Bowen, Chesterfield BC Dorcas Bunton, Derbyshire Dales DC Andrew Frosdick, Monitoring Officer Andrew Gates, SCR Executive Team Justin Homer, Rotherham MBC Julie Kenny CBE, Rotherham MBC Anthony May, Nottinghamshire CC John Mothersole, Sheffield CC Jo Miller, Doncaster MBC Ben Still, SCR Executive Team Daniel Swaine, Bolsover DC / NE Derbyshire DC Neil Taylor, Bassetlaw DC Diana Terris, Clerk / Barnsley MBC Craig Tyler, Joint Authorities Governance Unit Eugene Walker, S.151 Officer
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A Syrett and Councillor G Baxter
Page 53 SCR Combined Authority 7/12/15
1 APOLOGIES
Members apologies were noted as above
2 ANNOUNCEMENTS
None requested.
3 URGENT ITEMS
None requested.
4 ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS
None noted.
5 VOTING RIGHTS FOR NON-CONSTITUENT MEMBERS
It was agreed that no items required voting to be confirmed on non-constituent Members.
6 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS IN RELATION TO ANY ITEM OF BUSINESS ON THE AGENDA
None noted.
7 REPORTS FROM AND QUESTIONS BY MEMBERS
Cllr Greaves noted recent announcements regarding the government’s study into the future viability of coal powered power stations and, commenting on the 4 power stations located in Bassetlaw (which includes 2 coal powered stations) and sought the CA Leaders support for Bassetlaw leading further work to consider the local implications of any national policy change.
The Leaders noted their support for this work and recognised the importance of considering the implications of policy change to the City region and wider geography.
Mayor Jones asked that power stations’ supply chains also be given due consideration as part of the investigation.
It was agreed support Bassetlaw’s work on this matter and noted that officers from Bassetlaw would be making contact with the other City Region districts in due course.
8 RECEIPT OF PETITIONS
None received.
Page 54 SCR Combined Authority 7/12/15
9 PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received.
10 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26TH OCTOBER
RESOLVED - that the minutes of the meeting of the Combined Authority held on 26th October 2015 are agreed to be an accurate record of the meeting.
11 QUARTER 2 REVENUE BUDGET AND CAPITAL PROGRAMME - FINANCIAL AND PERFORMANCE UPDATE
A paper was received to provide a joint overview of financial and performance reporting position for the CA’s work streams including the revenue budget and capital programmes, partner activity, and performance summaries.
Detail was provided in the appendices to this paper.
Members were informed that this particular paper represents a working draft of the final report and is intended to provide early sight to inform composition of the final paper
It was noted that the paper provides a joint financial and programme management update at Quarter 2 and highlights continued below profile expenditure across the capital programme, with a forecast outturn underspend of between £23.8M and £28.65M
Members were advised that there are a number of reasons for this situation but are all being addressed by the CA’s commitment to ensuring efficient and effective spend through our robust assurance and appraisal processes
It was noted that proposals for advancing other schemes in support of the SEP are being considered as a means of utilising uncommitted cash.
It was reported that the SY Transport budget shows a forecast surplus outturn position of c.£400k due to improved investment income returns and the CA/LEP budget shows a forecast surplus of £155k due to delayed recruitment to vacant posts, recharges into programme activity, and higher than anticipated investment income returns.
It was noted that proposals to help build future capacity for scheme development are to be considered as part of the development of a single pot.
Cllr Greaves requested that future reports more clearly highlight overall spend and variance to projection. E Walker confirmed existing intentions to further refine the formatting of the reports going forward.
RESOLVED, that the Combined Authority Members:
1. Note the revenue budget position at quarter 2
Page 55 SCR Combined Authority 7/12/15
2. Note the capital programme position at quarter 2
3. Note the performance report on the capital programme, and forecast outturn position following programme management refreshes with programme leads
4. Note the financial position of partners and other regional programmes at quarter 2
12 RAIL NORTH
Following on from the September 2014 meeting of the Combined Authority at which it was agreed to become a Member of Rail North Ltd., a paper was received seeking approval from the Combined Authority to enter into the Rail North Members’ Agreement.
It was noted that the Members’ Agreement is an important part of the governance structure for Rail North Ltd. The other principal agreement is the Partnership Agreement with the Secretary of State, which provides for the joint management of the Northern and Transpennine Express Franchises due to start in April 2016 and for full devolution in the future. The Partnership Agreement was signed in March 2015.
It was noted that the Members’ Agreement formalises the interfaces between Rail North Ltd and its 29 Member Authorities. It defines the Governance Structures and how Rail North Ltd will be funded. The Agreement has been prepared following a collaborative process with officers of Member Authorities, and has been subject to a formal consultation. The final text of the Members’ Agreement was agreed by the Board of Rail North Ltd in October 2015 and each Member Authority now needs to formally agree to enter into this Agreement.
Regarding financial implications, Members were advised that the total annual subscription for all 29 Members is £36,000. This is divided among partners based on a previously agreed metric based on rail passenger numbers. Currently the SCR has 7.8% of this metric. For 2015/16 and 2016/17 the SCR contribution to the annual subscription will be £2,800, which can be met from the existing budget.
RESOLVED, that the Combined Authority approves entering into the Rail North Members’ Agreement.
13 TRANSPORT FOR THE NORTH
A report was received to provide an update to the Combined Authority on the progress of the Transport for the North (TfN) project.
Regarding the publication of the interim report of the Trans-Pennine Tunnel Strategic Study and the suggestion that a new road link between Sheffield and Manchester would be technically and operationally feasible to construct; Cllr Rose informed Members that this finding had not been well received by the National Park Authority. Cllr Dore noted that the Peak Park and other organisations’ feedback to the consultation had been taken into consideration and suggested this would be a
Page 56 SCR Combined Authority 7/12/15
difficult decision somewhat brought to the fore as other potential solutions have already been deemed un-environmental.
RESOLVED, that the Combined Authority Members:
1. Note the appointment of the TfN Independent Chair.
2. Note the publication of the TfN Autumn Report.
3. Note the implications of the Spending Review on the TfN Programme.
4. Note the publication of the Trans-Pennine Tunnel Study
14 SUMMARY REPORT - BUSINESS GROWTH EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Summary report from the SCR Business Growth Executive Board was received.
The Resolutions made by the Board were duly noted.
15 SUMMARY REPORT - HOUSING EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Summary report from the SCR Business Growth Executive Board was received.
The Resolutions made by the Board were duly noted.
16 SUMMARY REPORT - SKILLS EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Summary report from the SCR Business Growth Executive Board was received.
The Resolutions made by the Board were duly noted.
17 SUMMARY REPORT AND BUSINESS PLAN - TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Summary report from the SCR Transport Executive Board was received.
Members were also presented with the draft Transport Executive Board Business Plan for 2015/16
Members were advised that the production process for2016/17 (and beyond) Business Plans for all Executive Boards, and also a corporate business plan for the CA, had commenced. Drafts will be brought before the CA in due course.
The Resolutions made by the Board were duly noted.
18 SUMMARY REPORT - INFRASTRUCTURE EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Summary report from the SCR Infrastructure Executive Board was received.
Page 57 SCR Combined Authority 7/12/15
The Resolutions made by the Board were duly noted.
19 SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EQUALITIES ADVISORY BOARD
Members were presented with an update on the cross-cutting work being undertaken to support the SCRIIP around social inclusion and equalities, led by the Social Inclusion and Equalities Board (Chaired by LEP member Deborah Egan OBE).
Members requested confirmation of the Board’s membership.
Action: R Adams to supply
It was requested that the Board adopt an alternate reporting template to provide a distinction from the decision making Executive Boards.
RESOLVED, that the update be noted.
CHAIR
Page 58 Item 13 MEETING: Planning Regulatory Board DATE: Tuesday, 24 November 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Barnsley
MINUTES
Present Councillors D. Birkinshaw (Chair), G. Carr, Coates, M. Dyson, Franklin, Gollick, Griffin, Grundy, Hampson, Hand-Davis, Hayward, Higginbottom, Makinson, Markham, Mathers (Mayor), Morgan, Richardson, Riggs and R. Wraith
In attendance at site visit Councillors D. Birkinshaw, G. Carr, Cherryholme, Hand-Davis, Higginbottom, Noble and R. Wraith
In attendance as Ward Councillor Ennis Member
29. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Riggs declared a Non-Pecuniary interest in Planning Application No 2015/1074 – erection of two detached dwellings (outline) at Land to the rear of 7-29 May Terrace, Barnsley S70 6HS as he has had contact with the applicant. Councillor Riggs left the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item.
30. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 27th October were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
31. Code of Planning Conduct and Guidance 2015
RESOLVED that Planning Regulatory Board approves the ‘Local Code of Planning Conduct and Guidance 2015’ and that this should now be recommended for adoption by Council, subject to changing any remaining references in the draft from ‘personal and prejudicial’ to ‘pecuniary and non-pecuniary’ as appropriate.
32. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Part III Applications - Speakers/Site Visits
Planning application 2015/0646 - Demolition of existing dwelling at 30 Cross Street and erection of 95 no. dwellings - 30 Cross Street, Monk Bretton, Barnsley, S71 2EP.
RESOLVED that the application be approved as per officer recommendation, subject to the conditions in the report, including completion of a S106 agreement.
Planning application 2015/0779 - Removal of condition 1 of application 2011/1157 to allow permanent use of site for a gypsy family - Whitegate Stables, Common Road, Brierley, Barnsley, S72 9ES.
1 Page 59 Mr Quinn addressed the Board and spoke in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application.
RESOLVED that the application be approved as per officer recommendation, subject to the conditions in the report.
Planning application 2015/0911 - Erection of 10 no. detached dwelling houses with associated access and landscaping - Land at Cross Lane, Hoylandswaine.
Mr C. Darley (Agent) spoke in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application.
RESOLVED that the application be approved as per officer recommendation, subject to the conditions in the report, including completion of a S106 agreement.
Planning application 2015/1015 - Reserved matters planning application for the construction of infrastructure works comprising entrance feature, provision of substation, drainage works, including an attenuation pond, footbridges and other landscaping associated with outline planning permission 2014/0452. Former North Gawber Colliery, Carr Green Lane, Mapplewell
Liam Tate addressed the Board and spoke in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application.
RESOLVED that the planning application be approved as per the officer recommendation, subject to the conditions in the report. Members were very keen that the design of the fence around the pond (condition 6) is sufficiently robust.
Planning application 2015/1074 – Erection of 2 no. detached dwellings (outline) at land to the rear of 7 – 29 May Terrace, Barnsley S70 6HS
Mr Robert Mellor addressed the Board and spoke in favour of the officer recommendation to refuse the application.
Mr David Oliver addressed the Board and spoke against the officer recommendation to refuse the application.
RESOLVED that the application be refused in accordance with the officer recommendation.
33. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Part III Applications
The Head of Planning and Building Control submitted a report on applications received for consideration together with an update regarding cumulative appeal totals.
RESOLVED that
(i) the following applications be granted, in accordance with officer recommendation and subject to the Conditions outlined in the report of the Head of Planning and Building Control, details of which were contained in the schedule submitted.
2 Page 60
2015/1168 - Erection of extensions and refurbishment to Primary School including external works at Thurlstone Primary School, Royd Moor Road, Thurlstone, Sheffield S36 9RD
2015/1141 – Plot substitution on land allocated to plot 32 and additional strip of land located outside the land associated with planning application 2010/0413, former plot 32 Brierley Hall, Church Street, Brierley
2015/1233 – Removal of condition 4 of application 2015/0040 – Change of use from shops (A1) to dwelling houses (C3) including window and door alterations external finishes, hardstanding and boundary works at 38-44 (evens) Derwent Road, Athersley South, Barnsley S71 3QT
2015/1235 – Black Mulberry (T1) prune the lowest branches (crown lift) to give a 2 metre height clearance around the tree within TPO: 12/2006, 51 Woolley Avenue, Wombwell, Barnsley S73 8TH
(ii) 2015/1081 – Erection of a double garage with habitable room above at 88 Wath Road, Elsecar, Barnsley S74 8JF subject to additional conditions in that the accommodation should remain ancillary to the dwelling and the garage should not be used for any commercial/business use.
(iii) It was noted that no planning appeals were received, decided and withdrawn between the period 1st to 31st October 2015. 12 appeals have been decided since 1st April 2015, 10 of which (83%) were dismissed, 2 of which (17%) were allowed to date.
------Chair
3 Page 61 This page is intentionally left blank Item 14 MEETING: Planning Regulatory Board DATE: Tuesday, 22 December 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Barnsley
MINUTES
Present Councillors D. Birkinshaw (Chair), G. Carr, Cherryholme, Coates, Franklin, Gollick, Grundy, Hampson, Hayward, Higginbottom, Leech, Makinson, Markham, Mitchell, Morgan, Richardson, Riggs, Stowe, Unsworth and R. Wraith
In attendance at site visit Councillors D. Birkinshaw (Chair), Cherryholme, Hampson, Hayward and Mitchell.
34. Planning Application 2015/1070
Residential development of 278 dwellings with public open space and landscaping at Land off Summerdale Drive and Carrs Lane, Cudworth. Members visited the site, which will be discussed at a future meeting.
35. Declarations of Interest
There were no declarations of pecuniary/non-pecuniary interest in respect of any of the items on the agenda.
36. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 24th November 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
37. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Part III Applications - Speakers/Site Visits
Planning application 2013/0223 - Extraction of coal ash and subsequent restoration of the land (amended description) at Hill Street, Elsecar, Barnsley S74 8EN
RESOLVED that a decision on the application be deferred pending a site visit.
Planning application 2015/0926 - Application for approval of reserved matters of outline planning permission 2014/0452 for 1st phase development of 174 dwellings (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) at former North Gawber Colliery, Carr Green Lane, Mapplewell, Barnsley S75 6DY
Mr James Hall addressed the Board and spoke in favour of the officer recommendation to grant the application.
1 Page 63 RESOLVED that the application be approved as per officer recommendation and subject to the conditions in the report and additional conditions covering internal visibility splays and appropriate signage for site contractor/manager details.
38. Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - Part III Applications
The Head of Planning and Building Control submitted a report on applications received for consideration together with an update regarding cumulative appeal totals.
RESOLVED that
(i) the following applications be granted, in accordance with officer recommendation and subject to the Conditions outlined in the report of the Head of Planning and Building Control, details of which were contained in the schedule submitted.
2015/1194 - Erection of extension to the communal lounge area to include a sunroom at Saville Court Communal Centre, Saville Court, Hoyland Common, Barnsley. S74 0NY
2015/1303 - Display of sign above entrance for Woodhall Flats care home at Woodhall Flats, Barnsley Road, Darfield, Barnsley. S73 9EN
(ii) 2015/0859 - Erection of 18 no. residential dwellings with ancillary facilities and associated infrastructure at land east of Station Road, Royston, Barnsley, subject to signing of the section 106 as stated in the recommendation. Delegated authority was given to officers to explore with SYPTE and Highways the possibility of conditioning the provision of a bus stop and to report back to Chair. The need for an additional condition in relation to gaining delivery access up front before dwellings was also highlighted.
(iii) It was noted that 2 appeals were decided in November 2015 (2014/0972: Erection of 1 no. detached dwelling at Land at St Austell Drive Barugh Green and 2014/1160: Erection of detached dwelling with detached double garage (outline) at Thurlstone House, Towngate, Thurlstone). Both appeals were dismissed. Since 01 April 2015, 14 appeals have been decided, 12 of which (86%) have been dismissed and 2 (14%) have been allowed to date.
39. Boulder Bridge Certificate of Appropriate Alternative Development - Section 18 Appeal Report
RESOLVED that this item be deferred to the next meeting.
------Chair
2 Page 64 item 15 MEETING: General Licensing Regulatory Board DATE: Wednesday, 23 December 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors C. Wraith MBE (Chair), Burgess, J. Carr, Clarke, Ennis, D. Green, S. Green, Hampson, Lamb, Millner, Richardson, Saunders, Sixsmith MBE and Tattersall
12 Declaration of Interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interest from Members in respect of items on the agenda.
13 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on the 28th October, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
14 Licensing Enforcement - Update
The Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation submitted a report giving an update of the current position with regard to enforcement work undertaken by Licensing Enforcement Officers recently.
Since the last update, Licensing Enforcement Officers had proactively embarked on a number of taxi licensing enforcement operations. The first two exercised had been undertaken at the specific request of the Council’s Internal Audit Service which was undertaking a review of Home to School Contracts and Licensing policies and procedures. Each operation had been designed to ensure both driver and vehicle compliancy:
(a) 15th October, 2015 – a morning time operation involving Licensing Enforcement Officers, officers from Internal Audit and Vehicle Examiners from the Smithies Lane Depot at Greenacre School. Given the nature of the operation, the duration was short an involved a relatively small number of vehicles.
1 Hackney Carriage and 2 Private Hire Vehicles inspected and found to be fully compliant One driver issued with a written waring for failing to undertake the daily check sheet
(b) 5th November, 2015 – a second operation involving Licensing Enforcement Officers, officers from Internal Audit, Vehicle Examiners from the Smithies Lane Depot and Councillors C Wraith MBE and S Green at Springwell School.
1 Page 65 Of the vehicles inspected 16 Private Hire Vehicles and 2 Hackney Carriage Vehicles were found to be fully compliant and 16 Private Hire Vehicles were issued with immediate suspension notices for a variety of defects including lights and horn 3 drivers had been issued with written warnings for failing to complete the daily check sheet and for failing to display the driver ID badge
(c) 27th November, 2015 – a night time operation involving Licensing Enforcement Officers, Vehicle Examiners from the Smithies Lane Depot, South Yorkshire Police Traffic Unit and Councillors C Wraith MBE and S Green focusing on all licenced vehicles.
Of the 41 vehicles examined 36 were found to be fully compliant and 5 vehicles were issued with immediate suspension notices for inoperative indicator lights, number plate lights and incorrect indicator colour 4 drivers had been issued with written warnings for failing to complete daily check sheets, failing to display driver ID badge and incorrect display of front plate
(d) 11th December, 2015 – a day time operation involving Licensing Enforcement Officers, Vehicle Examiners from the Smithies Lane Depot, the South Yorkshire Police Traffic Unit and Councillor S Green focusing on licensed vehicles and operators.
14 vehicles had been inspected 8 vehicles had been suspended for a variety of defects including oil leaks, sharp edges and defective wing liner, inoperative indicator lights and missing wiper blades (which had resulted in the scratching of the windscreen obscuring the drivers view) 3 drivers had been issued with written warnings for failing to failing to complete or falsifying daily check sheets (all vehicles had been found to be defective and had been suspended) The South Yorkshire Police Traffic Unit had also issued three fixed penalty notices to licensed drivers for speeding offences
Vehicle compliance continued to be an issue and was at the forefront of every enforcement operation and with every Vehicle Examiner whilst undertaking vehicle inspections. It was pleasing to note, however, that vehicle compliance was continuing to improve and was a testament to the hard work of the staff involved with enforcement. It was disappointing, however, that a minority of drivers were continuing to fail to complete basic vehicle inspection sheets as these had been introduced at the request of the trade and were a valuable took in ensuring the continued safety of all licenced vehicles.
Proactive enforcement operations would continue to be undertaken on a quarterly basis.
The Chair circulated a copy of a letter received from Mr D Wilson of A2Z Licensing expressing, on behalf of his clients Barnsley Hackney Carriage Association and Blueline Taxis expressing thanks for comments he had made in the media and for explaining that all defects discovered on the enforcement exercises were of a minor
2 Page 66 nature. Mr Wilson had also commented on the success of the work of the Trade Liaison Group, on the combined effects of the use of external MOT testing stations and increased roadside enforcement which was continuing to show dramatic improvements in vehicle compliance which was hoped would continue. Finally, he asked to place on record his thanks on behalf of his clients to all officers for their contribution to these and other initiatives which were promoting public safety, ensuring that vehicles were safe and in tackling dangers to the public of using bogus Hackney carriage and Private Hire vehicles.
In the ensuing discussion, and in response to questioning, particular reference was made to the following:
The involvement of Councillors at enforcement operations was very much welcomed and encouraged The continuing reduction in number of faults found was very encouraging. It was noted, however, that some minor defects could nevertheless have devastating consequences There was a discussion of the reasons for the number of defective indicator lights discovered and to the fact that Trading Standards were involved as it was thought that possibly a defective batch could have been on sale within the town. Members stressed the importance, therefore, of drivers carrying spare bulb sets Members of the Board were reminded that drivers receiving three written warnings within a 12 month period were required to appear before a General Licensing Regulatory Board Panel to explain their behaviour There was a discussion of ways in which drivers could have their licences reinstated quickly following the rectification of minor faults In response to questioning about fines to discourage non compliance, it was explained that the Licensing Service could not ‘make a profit’ and could only receive income to cover the costs of operating the service
RESOLVED:
(i) That the report and letter from A2Z Licensing be received; and
(ii) That the Board place on record their thanks and appreciation to the staff within the Licensing Service and Smithies Lane Depot for all their hard work in undertaking Enforcement activities and ensuring the continued safety of the travelling public and for the outstanding results currently being achieved.
15 Licensing Service - Audit update
The Service Director Governance and Member Support informed the Board that following an Internal Audit of the Licensing Service in the light of the corporate inspection of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the publication of the Casey Report, a recommendation had been made that the Board review its Terms of Reference to ensure that Members role and responsibilities in relation to safeguarding was explicitly identified.
The review of the Terms of Reference was currently being undertaken and a report recommending amendments to those Terms of Reference would be submitted to the
3 Page 67 next meeting to be held on the 24th February, 2016 with a recommendation to Council on the 31st March, 2016.
The opportunity would also be taken at the same time to review the Terms of Reference of the Statutory Licensing Regulatory Board and a similar report would be submitted to that Board at a meeting to be held on the 24th February, 2016.
RESOLVED that the report be received
16 Taxi Stay Safe Operation
The Board received a presentation from Ms R Fisher (Field Officer, Regulatory Services) on the Taxi Stay Safe Operation currently being undertaken and presented to schools throughout the Borough and giving details of the success of the Taxi Watch Facebook page and other related campaigns and operations.
The presentation gave details of the following:
The history of Taxi’s and the introduction of the licensing regime The roles and requirements of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Drivers and Vehicles and the differences between the two The identification requirements of Driver’s The implications of using unlicensed vehicles The ‘rise’ of Facebook taxis – people advertising cheap ‘taxi’ lifts on facebook – and the implications for drivers and passengers of using these illegal and unlicensed drivers and vehicles. Arising out of this Ms Fisher outlined: o various scenarios both nationally, regionally and locally where issues had occurred following the use of such vehicles/drivers o The enforcement action taken to tackle these problems The steps which taxi users could take to ensure their safety
Ms Fisher gave out details of posters and a press release issued to give prominence to the Staysafe operation and she reported the differing agencies involved in enforcement operations and on future operations planned. In conclusion, Ms Fisher outlined the following acrostic which she had developed to try to encourage people to remember how to ‘StaySafe’:
S Standards/Safety T Travel/Taxi/Time/Tested/Trustworthy A Anyone/Authorised Y Yourself/You S Safety A Allowed/Approved F Fare/Fair E Enter/Educate/Effects/Easy/Enforcement
In the ensuing discussion, the following matters were raised:
The presentation was very much welcomed as a means of helping to prevent unauthorised taxis and ensuring passenger safety
4 Page 68 The increasing use of ‘Facebook Taxis’ was a particular concerns as many drivers appeared not to realise they were doing anything wrong and failed to recognise the implications of their actions Other preventative measures were suggested including: o Issuing guidelines to all drivers regarding the use of child locks on rear passenger doors – it was noted that checks were made during ‘taxi tests’ to ensure that such locks were disabled o It was suggested that passengers using taxis should tell someone where they were going and when they were expected Reference was made to the use of medical references for applicants for driver licences within the context of the recent incident involving a refuse lorry driver in Scotland. It was explained that if fitness to drive declarations were singed by an applicants GP there was little other action that could be taken by Licensing Services. The presentation would be emailed to all Members of the Board following the meeting The presentation highlighted the importance of Enforcement operations and the Chair encouraged all Members to take part in one or more of these exercises so that they could see, at first hand, the type of work involved and the issues addressed by Enforcement Staff
RESOLVED that Ms Fisher be thanked for a most informative presentation and for answering Members questions.
In closing the meeting, the Chair wished all Members and Officers an Merry Christmas and an Healthy and Prosperous New Year
------Chair
5 Page 69 This page is intentionally left blank Item 17
NOTES OF GENERAL LICENSING REGULATORY BOARD PANELS
12th January, 2016
1. Present: Councillors C Wraith MBE (Chair), Hampson and Tattersall together with Councillor Shepherd (Reserve Member)
Members of the Public and Press were excluded from the meeting.
2. Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interest
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest.
3. Driver Licences
The Panel considered reports requesting Members to consider the following:
(a) The determination of the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence held by Mr A M
The driver was in attendance and gave evidence in support of his case.
After considering all the evidence presented together with the representations made the Panel determined that Mr A M had presented no extenuating circumstances to warrant a deviation from the Council’s Guideline Policy for Criminal Convictions and his licence was revoked on the following grounds:
The contravention of Licensing Conditions which resulted in the issuing of 3 Written Warnings within a 2 month period (the Council’s Guideline Policy for Criminal Convictions states that three or more Written Warnings within a 12 month period will require a driver to be referred to a Licensing Regulatory Board) The issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices which have remained unpaid despite being given ample opportunity to do so The issuing of a further Written Warning for failure to disclose the use of a mobile phone whilst driving (which resulted in an endorsement of his DVLA Licence) The presentation by the Licensing Service of sufficient evidence to show he was not considered to be a fit and proper person to hold such a licence His admission that he had smoked in his vehicle on previous occasions
The decision of the Panel was unanimous.
Page 71
(b) An application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence by Mr S S
The applicant was in attendance and gave evidence in support of his application.
After considering all the evidence presented together with the representations made the Panel determined that in view of the manner in which he presented himself there was sufficient justification to warrant a deviation from the Council’s Guideline Policy for Criminal Convictions on the following grounds:
Whilst resident in his original country of origin, there had been no criminal convictions recorded against him He had lived in the UK for nearly 8 years, had held a job and undertaken courses of study at College His enhanced DBS check had come back clear
The application was, therefore, approved and he was granted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence with immediate effect.
The decision of the Panel was unanimous
(c) An application for the grant of a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence by Mr M R
The applicant was in attendance and gave evidence in support of his application.
After considering all the evidence presented together with the representations made the Panel determined that in view of the manner in which he presented himself there was sufficient justification to warrant a deviation from the Council’s Guideline Policy for Criminal Convictions on the following grounds:
Whilst resident in his original country of origin, there had been no criminal convictions recorded against him He had lived in the UK for nearly 4 years, had held jobs and undertaken courses of study at College His enhanced DBS check had come back clear
The application was, therefore, approved and he was granted a Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Driver’s Licence with immediate effect.
The decision of the Panel was unanimous
Page 72 Item 18
APPEALS, AWARDS AND STANDARDS REGULATORY BOARD
(a) School Admission Appeals Panel – 23rd November, 2015
Kexborough Primary School 3 Refused
(b) School Admission Appeals Panel – 24th November, 2015
Holy Trinity 1 Refused 1 Allowed Mapplewell Primary School 1 Allowed Darton College 1 Allowed 1 Withdrawn
(c) School Admission Appeals Panel – 1st December, 2015
Mapplewell Primary School 3 Refused 1 Withdrawn Shafton Primary School 2 Refused
(d) School Admission Appeals Panel – 3rd December, 2015
Carlton Primary School 1 Refused Hunningley Primary School 2 Allowed
(e) School Admission Appeals Panel – 14th December, 2015
Athersley North Primary School 1 Allowed Wilthorpe Primary School 2 Refused Worsbrough Common Primary School 1 Refused Horizon Community College 1 Refused
(f) School Admission Appeals Panel – 6th January, 2016
High View Primary Learning Centre 1 Allowed Hoyland Common Primary School 2 Refused
(g) School Admission Appeals Panel – 18th January, 2016
Horizon Community College 1 Refused The Forest Academy 1 Refused The Mill Primary Academy 1 Refused
Page 73
(h) School Admission Appeals Panel – appeals cancelled/withdrawn before date arranged
Mapplewell Primary School 1 Withdrawn Summer Lane Primary School 1 Withdrawn Barugh Green Primary School 1 Withdrawn Gawber Primary School 1 Withdrawn Wilthorpe Primary School 1 Withdrawn Horizon Community College 2 Withdrawn
Page 74 Item 19 MEETING: Health and Wellbeing Board DATE: Tuesday, 8 December 2015 TIME: 4.00 pm VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present
Nick Balac, NHS Barnsley CCG (in the Chair) Councillor Jim Andrews BEM, Deputy Leader Councillor Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson - People (Safeguarding) Councillor Jenny Platts, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities Carrianne Stones, Healthwatch Barnsley Rachel Dickinson, Executive Director People Wendy Lowder, Interim Executive Directors Communities Julia Burrows, Director of Public Health Sean Rayner, South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust Richard Jenkins, Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Bob Dyson, Chair Adult Safeguarding Board
21 Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest.
22 Minutes of the Board Meeting held on 13th October, 2015 (HWB.08.12.2015/2)
The meeting considered the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13th October, 2015.
RESOLVED that the minutes be approved as a true and correct record.
23 Minutes from the Children and Young People's Trust Executive Group held on 6 November, 2015 (HWB.08.12.2015/3)
The meeting considered the minutes from the Children and Young People’s Trust Executive Group held on 6th November, 2015.
The meeting noted the progress in developing the CYP Plan for 2016-19. The focus of all partners in tackling persistent absence from school was particularly welcome, given the clear links between levels of educational attainment and good health.
RESOLVED that the minutes be received.
24 Notes from the Anti-Poverty Board held on 12th October, 2015 (HWB.08.12.2015/5)
The meeting considered the notes from the Anti-Poverty Board held on 12th October, 2015.
1 Page 75 The meeting noted the transition of the Board into a delivery group, which was progressing an action plan, to be submitted to the Health and Wellbeing Board in February 2016.
RESOLVED that the notes be received.
25 Adult Safeguarding Board - Annual Report (HWB.08.12.2015/6)
The Chair of the Adult Safeguarding Board, Bob Dyson, presented the Annual Report and paid tribute to the out-going chair, Cllr Platts, and Kath Harris for the progress made that time. The Board arrangements had only become statutory in the past year, with the implementation of the Care Act, and was looking to build on the progress made to-date.
The meeting noted that the priorities and challenges for the next year, particularly to implement the Care Act and the pressure arising from assessments required under the mental capacity act. The Board was also conscious of their counter terrorism responsibilities. However, Bob Dyson acknowledged the strong commitment from partners to meeting the objectives of the Board.
The meeting noted that the Annual Report had already received Cabinet consideration, followed by a robust session at the Safeguarding Scrutiny Committee, where the efforts to deal with the issue of neglect had received specific challenge.
RESOLVED:- (i) that the contents of the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report, 2014-15 be noted; (ii) the future policy and legislative changes and the ways in which these impact on the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults be noted; (ii) that the progress made in 2014-15 by the Safeguarding Adults Board be noted.
26 Public Health Strategy (HWB.08.12.2015/7)
Julia Burrows, Director of Public Health, introduced a presentation by Rebecca Clarke, Public Health Specialist Practitioner, on the vision set out in the proposed Public Health Strategy, with the key aim of improving the health for people living in Barnsley. The presentation summarised the key points of the Strategy, noting in particular the continuing disparities in the healthy life expectancy of people in different parts of the Borough. Whilst identifying four long term Public Health outcomes in relation to longer and healthier lives and adopting a more preventative agenda, in the short term the Strategy proposed focusing on improving the overall health of children; creating a smoke-free generation; and increasing levels of physical activity.
The meeting noted the commitment of the Council’s partners to supporting the objectives in the Strategy, and the specific action being taken by the Hospital and SWYPFT particularly in relation to smoking was commended. The need to identify the unique contribution that each partner could make was acknowledged.
Members also commented that the Health and Wellbeing Board should take the opportunity to hold partners to account for the delivery of the Public Health Strategy within their organisation’s strategies and plans.
2 Page 76
The meeting discussed the extent to which actions would be targeted towards specific neighbourhoods and groups and the importance that interventions such as fluoride varnishing of children’s teeth was actively offered. Members discussed the extent to which the impact of smoking on infant health was not widely understood and the need to undertake more communications activity in this area. Although the links between Public Health and safeguarding, particularly in relation to neglect, were acknowledge, some specific reference should be made in future strategies.
RESOLVED: (i) that the Public Health Strategy 2016-18 be endorsed; (ii) that the Director of Public Health work with partners to identify their unique contribution to achieving the Strategy’s objectives and communicating and promoting these with the community, including through School Governing Bodies; (iii) that the need for the Health & Wellbeing strategy to be reflected fully in the Public Health Strategy be acknowledged.
27 Stronger Communities Partnership Presentation
Wendy Lowder, Interim Executive Director Communities, gave a presentation on work being undertaken under the auspices of the Stronger Communities Partnership to develop preventative strategies in acknowledgement that increasing demands on health and social care cannot be met within the current treatment model. The presentation identified the steps towards achieving co-production of services with the local community and the work done so far to develop this approach. The presentation concluded by setting out the desired outcomes for the approach, which among other things would see greater participation in developing solutions and improved access to early help.
The meeting discussed the proposed approach and the extent to which levels of service might be dependent upon the community capacity in each area. Members commented that the extent of community capacity in the Borough was often under- estimated, and considerable co-production was already taking place. It was important to communicate real stories of people’s experiences to demonstrate and promote the approach.
Members commented on the need to clarify the reporting lines within the governance, in particular how the Health and Wellbeing Board would hold partners agencies to account for delivery of the intended outcomes. In particular, there was a need to focus on those areas where the Health and Wellbeing Board could add value.
RESOLVED that the approach outlined in the presentation be endorsed and further reports be submitted on the development of the action plan to deliver desired outcomes and the operation of the governance framework.
28 Patient Flow (HWB.08.12.2015/9)
Richard Jenkins and Sean Rayner gave a presentation on the adoption of Medworxx, a utilisation management tool of the type used in the USA, to analyse the background to hospital stays and check whether this was necessary for the type of care or treatment patients were receiving. The CCG had funded the acquisition of the system and was working in partnership with the Hospital and SWYPFT to develop
3 Page 77 the use of the tool and undertake analysis using one source of common data, under the auspices of an Effective Utilisation Board.
Initial analysis suggested that up to 30% of patients might be ready for discharge. However, the meeting noted that a number of factors might prevent this at present. For this reason, it was important to secure representation from both the Council’s People and Communities Directorates on the Effective Utilisation Board.
Use of Medworxx would allow a project plan to be developed by the end of March 2016, then moving on to identify issues in services and possible corrective actions.
RESOLVED: (i) that report be received and the project plan and proposed actions be submitted to a future Health and Wellbeing Board; (ii) that the Hospital / SWYPFT liaise with the Council to ensure appropriate representation and / or engagement in the proposed Effective Utilisation Board.
29 BCF Update (HWB.08.12.2015/10)
Rachel Dickinson presented a report setting out the performance against the BCF targets for quarter 2 and the anticipated position at year-end as a consequence. The meeting noted that the BCF would continue in 2016/7 and work was currently being undertaken to consider the requirements to take this forward.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
30 Development Session (HWB.08.12.2015/11)
Rachel Dickinson presented a report summarising the discussion at the Health and Wellbeing Board development session. The meeting noted that work was in hand to join up the various strategies that contribute to the delivery of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, but also to develop a strategy for the Board. Work was also required to map progress of the project to achieve better integration of the health and social care system.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
31 Sheffield City Region Devolution Deal Update (HWB.08.12.2015/12)
The meeting received information setting out the proposal for devolution to the Sheffield City Region. The meeting noted that the proposal related only to economic regeneration and related matters, rather than incorporating health and social care as in Greater Manchester. The importance of the economic focus at this stage was noted, although the template this perhaps provided to move on to other services was acknowledged.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
------
4 Page 78 Chair
5 Page 79 This page is intentionally left blank Item 20 MEETING: Overview and Scrutiny Committee DATE: Tuesday, 1 December 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Council Chamber, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Ennis (Chair), P. Birkinshaw, G. Carr, Franklin, Frost, Hand-Davis, Johnson, Pourali, Sheard, Tattersall and Unsworth together with co-opted members Ms P. Gould, Ms J. Whittaker and Mr J. Winter
18 Apologies for Absence - Parent Governor Representatives
Apologies for absence were received from Ms Kate Morritt in accordance with Regulation 7 (6) of the Parent Governor Representatives (England) Regulations 2001.
19 Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interest
There were declarations of interest from Councillors Carr, Tattersall and Unsworth as Members of the Corporate Parenting Panel and Virtual School Governance Group. Councillor Frost declared an interest as a member of the NUT (National Union of Teachers).
20 Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Councillor Unsworth advised Berneslai Homes responded to his request regarding legionella and was reassured the systems are heated sufficiently twice per week to kill the Legionella bacteria.
The minutes of the meeting held on 6th October 2015 were approved as a true and accurate record.
21 Barnsley Provisional Education Outcomes 2015
The Chair welcomed the witnesses to the meeting which included:
Nick Bowen, Principal of Horizon Community College and Joint Chair of Barnsley Schools’ Alliance Board Yvonne Gray, Headteacher of Cudworth Churchfield Primary School and Joint Chair of Barnsley Schools’ Alliance Board Rachel Dickinson, Executive Director, People Directorate Margaret Libreri, Service Director, Education, Early Start and Prevention, People Directorate Catherine Kelly, Head of Barnsley Schools' Alliance, People Directorate Councillor Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Member, People (Achieving Potential)
1 Page 81
Margaret Libreri gave an introduction to the reports, highlighting for 5 year olds the gap between Barnsley children’s GLD (Good Level of Development) has narrowed compared with national results, however a priority for the service is to reduce the gap with the national results for disadvantaged children.
Following the assessment of 7 year olds in reading, writing and mathematics, as the results have improved by the same margin as those nationally, Barnsley has been unable to narrow the gap between its neighbouring authorities or the national figure.
The results for 11 year olds in reading, writing and mathematics have been very good as pupils in Barnsley have improved at a faster rate than those nationally, which has helped to reduce the gap to 1% point.
There has also been improvement in the GCSE qualifications which is seen as a priority; provisional results for 2015 show 49.5% of students achieved 5A*- C, including both English and Maths. Following the results being validated the final figure should be 50%; the service believes this is a reason to celebrate however, is more ambitious than this and wants to see even better results.
Members proceeded to ask the following questions:
I. What are the current challenges, specifically due to the shortage of teachers and also absences due to stress? Are there shortages of teachers for particular subjects?
The committee were advised the three main subjects where there is the greatest difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified teachers is in English, Maths and Science, with Science now being the most difficult, which can result in pupils not always being taught at the level that is aspired to.
There is a continual drive for improvement in the standard of teaching that is being delivered and to address this, the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance Board has established 5 working groups. These include Teaching and Learning, Behaviour and Attendance, Closing the Gap, Improving Leadership Capacity and Raising Attainment and Achievement. One of the groups is currently developing a protocol considering what will attract teachers in these areas.
Due to the inherent difficulty in recruiting teachers in English, Maths and Science, incentives such as ‘golden handshakes’ and the use of recruitment agencies is required, however these incur additional financial costs.
Further difficulties are caused by Barnsley being the lowest funded in terms of secondary schools; by comparison the neighbouring authority of Rotherham receives an additional £1400 per child, which can equate to a further £1.4m in a school of 10,000 pupils. Whilst the financial situation is not the only criteria that can determine the standard of education being taught, it does mean Barnsley schools are unable to compete with the same level of resources.
2 Page 82 II. Will the funding formula regarding the Autumn Statement help at all?
The committee were advised that a national funding formula regarding schools would help, however this is likely to loose votes, therefore is unlikely to be put in place.
III. In terms of teachers being stressed, are we helping with endless observations and criticisms? Also, do we pair outstanding teachers with others so they can learn from good practice?
The group were informed within the last three years the secondary schools in Barnsley have made considerable progress with the affiliated unions, resulting in a productive working relationship. This has helped in providing support to teachers, including those suffering with stress.
Schools have been supporting teachers by pairing them with more experienced staff, who help them learn and develop. Also, through this, there are examples when a teacher will recognise it is not the career for them.
IV. What is in place to ensure schools operate effectively within the local community such as engagement with local Councillors, and how can we take this forward?
The group were advised that Barnsley schools are developing plans to work with Area Councils to help resolve the challenges that are being faced as well as working more closely with Members in how they can be mutually supportive. This work is planned to take place in the New Year.
As schools transfer to being academies across the country, this has led to them not working together as closely, which has then impacted on the sharing of knowledge and ideas. In Barnsley however, this has not been the case and there is good networking across schools and you can’t tell whether they are academies, trusts or local authority (LA) run. In Barnsley each school is RAG (Red, Amber or Green) rated by the Barnsley Alliance and we contact them to have a conversation about their performance. All schools have engaged with this process and some schools are now asking if they can pay for further support.
V. How does the funding of schools in Barnsley compare, considering there are areas of the borough that are less deprived than others, such as Penistone?
The Members were advised the funding for secondary schools in Barnsley is the lowest in the country; however, this is not the same for primary schools. Any change to the ratio between the two would have financial implications. The Barnsley Schools’ Forum looked into reviewing the Schools’ Funding Formula to redress the balance for secondary schools but it was considered this would then leave the primary schools as being financially vulnerable.
The funding Barnsley schools receive is further compounded as deprivation between advantaged and disadvantaged students is wider than the national figure, therefore we don’t want to change the funding formula. The service acknowledged funding is
3 Page 83 tight for certain schools, such as Penistone Grammar and therefore a meeting will shortly take place with the school governors as to how we can support the school.
VI. What is being done to improve the Key Stage 4 (GCSE) results to further reduce the gap to the national average?
The committee were advised through the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance this has helped in identifying any under achieving schools particularly through the fortnightly meetings that are held with the secondary school head teachers. Through the continual challenge taking place at these meetings, this has benefited the under performing schools in providing them with the support that is required.
Also, a few years ago there was an entrenched culture of under-achievement in secondary schools, however the new head teachers have changed this and welcome real challenge. Through the impetus of the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance, they have been able to challenge this behaviour which has subsequently seen improvements in the exam results of schools. Although there has not been a considerable improvement in the Key Stage 4 (GCSE) results, this should change following the current practices that have been implemented.
VII. Uptake of the Pupil Premium Grant is poor in Barnsley; are we contacting parents regarding taking this up which would help with school funding as well as ensuring children have a good meal?
The group were advised there are universal infant free school meals and it is recognised that for some pupils this will be their most nutritious meal of the day. However, in some cases this has back-fired for schools as if parents don’t make them aware they are in receipt of benefits then the school are unable to claim any additional funds.
VIII. Considering the difference between schools, what is being done to increase resources as well as share skills and experience?
The committee were advised there has been a new approach to both intervention and the challenge and support being provided. In August we analysed all the data, which was then incorporated within a RAG rating for each primary, secondary and academy school. We also want to identify the green rated schools so we can share their good practice with others.
For red-rated primary schools, two LA School Evaluation Officers have gone out to them and asked what their barriers are to improvement. For red-rated secondary schools, Nick Bowen and Catherine Kelly have undertaken visits to identify barriers. Action plans are then developed as well as utilising an intervention fund, which the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance will then hold the school to account against. Where a school has been rated as either red or amber for some time, their performance will be reviewed every 4-6 weeks. Where improvements are still not made, the LA will issue a warning notice.
4 Page 84 We have also looked at global problems such as poor Maths performance, for which we have brokered external support.
It is evident in Barnsley that four of the higher attaining schools are also the four lowest funded schools. Therefore it often comes back to the quality of leadership and teaching. It is also noted that Barnsley has a disproportionate amount of pupils with challenging behaviour and we need to continue to increase aspirations.
Secondary schools are sharing resources, including expertise, which is shared with schools whether they are academies, trusts or community schools.
IX. How can we get other schools to undertake the same good practice engagement Horizon school has undertaken with families facing barriers?
The group were advised as Horizon Community College is a town centre school they have a more diverse population, therefore do a lot of work in relation to engagement. As a group of head teachers we meet regularly and have a slot on our meetings and look at our communities. We also have the IKIC (I Know I Can) Programme as a regular agenda item as we’re not exam factories and the more you engage with families, the more likely children are to learn.
X. What provision is made for cultural differences in communities within schools?
Members were advised Barnsley is seeing an increase in the number of EAL (English as an Additional Language) students. Horizon Community College is able to provide holistic support to other schools, sharing their expertise in meeting both cultural and educational needs such as enabling these families to engage with the education system.
EAL students are encouraged to engage in the full range of activities the school offers and not just focus on their academic achievements. Improvement has been seen with the GCSE results of EAL students, which shows that the engagement is having a positive impact.
XI. There is an acknowledged difference in the results achieved by girls and boys, what is being done to address this?
The group were advised this is a national issue, with data analysis being able to support it. To help to try and address this, each of the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance 5 working groups consider this in their work.
The Teaching and Learning Group is currently developing protocols regarding what makes outstanding teaching and learning and how this will impact on boys and girls. For example, if certain changes are made, we could find that girls do even better and the gap widens further.
The Key Stage 1 assessments illustrate from an early age how girls’ attainment is better then boys, with research identifying that boys’ physical development is slower, therefore we need to focus on improving this in boys.
5 Page 85 The London Challenge identified that ‘white working class boys’ are the hardest demographic category to change in relation to academic performance, which is the largest demographic in our schools. Therefore this creates particular difficulty in Barnsley regarding improving educational attainment.
To further illustrate this, had the boys achieved as well as the girls had done with their GCSE examinations two years ago, then the overall results at Horizon Community College would have been classed as ‘outstanding’.
XII. How well did the 12 month project work at Penistone School that adopted a new way of teaching maths, and have the teachers who were involved been retained?
The group were advised this information will need to be clarified and will then be reported back to the committee.
XIII. What support is being given to families in deprived areas in helping to instil the value of their child’s education, whilst ensuring they are actively involved in helping their child, such as assisting with homework?
The committee was advised Parent Support Workers have been employed to help parents who do not actively engage in their child’s education; this has helped identifying in some cases the parents themselves are unable to read or write. Therefore, this means they are then unable to help their children with their homework.
We run homework clubs, breakfast clubs and adult learning groups in schools to try to get parents to work alongside their child. Many parents however find it difficult to admit that they are struggling. We also have open evenings for parents, where the teaching techniques that are used today are explained, such as those for phonics and maths.
There are some families where their child’s education is not valued, which makes progress in education difficult. In some cases schools try to engage parents with the voluntary sector to provide additional support.
XIV. There are some families where children are not getting support, e.g. in relation to practicing spellings which will mean they fall behind. Some parents say they don’t want support, however how are we ensuring this takes place?
The group were advised, through the continual challenge undertaken by the Barnsley Schools’ Alliance these children are unable to be ignored by their school and extra resources such as reading champions are being employed. We also have arrangements for older children to read with younger ones.
Members were advised that schools recognise and welcome the active role that grandparents are now playing, often acting as surrogate parents when the child’s parents are working full time.
6 Page 86 Currently there is a pilot scheme that is looking at schools in Sheffield, Doncaster and Blackpool, with the objection of how the school can then successfully engage with the hardest to reach families. Dave Whittaker who is Chair of the Behaviour and Attendance group is going to consider this alongside Catherine Kelly and whether this can then be piloted in Barnsley.
XV. Due to a number of parents being on low wages and therefore working long hours, grandparents often operate in the parental role; does this affect the school’s engagement with its children?
The committee were advised they could not speak for all schools, but for the ones they represented they welcome anyone to help, for example Aunts and Uncles. The school’s main concern is for those children where there is no engagement with the child’s education.
At this point in the meeting, an elected member highlighted that due to an investigation they had been part of in considering educational attainment, that the best system was in Finland where children aren’t formally educated till age 7. In this country there is no parental choice so all children have to go to their local school till age 16 and the schools are attached to health centres and old peoples’ homes where all those in the building meet together and eat so you get all ages mixing together. Also, no formal testing is undertaken till age 16.
XVI. As it is not compulsory for schools to join the Barnsley Alliance, how do you ensure they engage with the work?
The Members were advised the board needs to be the ‘best club in town’ so schools want to join it, and making it so it’s almost impossible not to be part of it. The LA still has powers to challenge e.g. academy sponsors if they are not engaging. The strength from the Alliance is that it is peer to peer support and challenge, therefore can’t be ignored. When we have written to our academies with challenge, they have welcomed this and see themselves as responsible for Barnsley’s young people.
It was highlighted to the group how the role of school improvement had moved from the LA to schools and how the offer of the Barnsley Alliance was effective in this. Also that this sector-led approach to improvement was not yet producing the progress wanted but that it is going in the right direction.
It was also highlighted to Members that the exam results have continued improving over the last 5 years and we have gained 5% on the national average. The LA’s relationship with schools is unrecognisable compared with 5/10 years ago; therefore Elected Members also need to re-define their role as community leaders and representatives.
Members were advised of an all-member information brief scheduled for early 2016 on the Barnsley Alliance which they were encouraged to attend.
7 Page 87 XVII. Are the numbers of pupils in classes being kept to a manageable size to ensure their academic improvement is not being affected?
The group was advised in secondary schools class sizes are all under 30, however primary schools are struggling as numbers are increasing. Schools are being innovative in utilising adults and identifying empty spaces that can be adapted to use as classrooms which is helping to keep class sizes down.
Ideally primary schools would not want to see their class sizes being over 30 and aim to keep the number of pupils between 25 and 30. Although, in situations where a child has won an appeal to attend the school, the school will then have to accept the child which can lead to larger class sizes.
XVIII. Has there been an increase in the number of vertically grouped classes where children are from different age ranges?
The committee was advised there had been no increase in the number of these types of classes.
The Chair encouraged Members to attend a training session on Managing Skills and Development being held on the 8th December 2015 or 12th January 2016, thanked the witnesses and all attendees for their contribution, and declared the meeting closed.
Action Points
1) Service to confirm how well the 12 month project at Penistone school regarding maths teaching had gone and whether the teachers have been retained from this programme. 2) Members to attend the all-member information briefing on the Barnsley Alliance once a date is scheduled. 3) Members to attend the training session on Managing Skills and Development on either 8th December 2015 or 12th January 2016 and let Lesley Glanville know ([email protected] or 01226 773078).
8 Page 88 Item 22 MEETING: Dearne Area Council DATE: Monday, 16 November 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Meeting Room, Goldthorpe Library
MINUTES
Present Councillors Noble (Chair), Gollick, Sixsmith MBE and Worton.
28 Declarations of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
29 Minutes of the previous meeting of Dearne Area Council held on 14th September, 2015 (Dac.16.11.2015/2)
The meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Dearne Area Council held on 14th September, 2015.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Dearne Area Council meeting held on 14th September, 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
30 Presentation from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust
Gemma Cobby from Coalfields Regeneration Trust was welcomed to the meeting.
A brief overview of the work of the trust was provided. This included investment in properties adjacent to Dearne Playhouse, support for people out of work to prepare CVs, provision of grants up to £500, supporting the development of a business forum in the area, amongst other things.
The meeting discussed support available to develop neighbourhood plans, with the prevailing view being that communities in the Dearne had been consulted widely, and a number of well developed plans were already available.
Members were very supportive of the work underway to develop a business forum to engage and support enterprise in the area. The meeting also acknowledged the positive impact of micro grants available to support communities in the area.
RESOLVED that Gemma be thanked for the presentation, and the work of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust be noted.
31 Performance of commissioned services and Area Council financial position (Dac.16.11.2015/4)
The Area Council Manager introduced the item, referring to the current financial situation for the Area Council. Taking into account the income received to date from Fixed Penalty Notices, the finance remaining unallocated for 2015/16 was £57,438.
With regards to the Training For Employment contract, the meeting noted the continued success of the commission, which ran until the end of March, 2016. It was
1 Page 89 noted that the project is undertaking an annual review and this would inform a discussion about the future of the project to take place in January, 2016.
It was noted that an organisation had been commissioned to review the Area Governance arrangements centrally, and as part of this would focus on analysing the social return on investment of a number of projects. It was suggested that this would include the Training for Employment commission.
With regards to the Environmental Enforcement commission, Members heard how, from August to end September, 2015, there had been 51 Fixed Penalty Notices and 25 Parking Charge Notices. It was noted that plans were in place to ensure patrolling hours were evenly distributed between Dearne North and South Wards.
Members discussed the Clean and Tidy contract that Twiggs Grounds Maintenance were delivering. It was noted that 137 areas had been targeted with time balanced between Dearne North and South Wards. Feedback from residents had been extremely positive, and Members were encouraged to continue identifying any areas requiring attention.
Members noted the feedback from the Housing Enforcement SLA, which highlighted that 182 complaints and requests for service had been dealt with. The meeting discussed a recent case which had gone to court, with an individual being fined £400 plus costs for not adhering to a Community Protection Notice.
The meeting noted that 7 applications had been received for the Dearne Development Fund, and that a panel would consider these on the 25th November, 2015.
RESOLVED:- (i) that the updated financial position for Dearne Area Council, including the amounts unallocated for 2015/16 and 2016/17 be noted; (ii) that the continued progress of the Dearne Area Council commissions be noted.
32 Update on the procurement of environmental enforcement (Dac.16.11.2015/5)
The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, referring to previous discussions at the Area Council, where Members expressed a desire to extend the provision.
Members noted that other Area Councils would also be procuring a similar service in a combined exercise, however each Area Council would performance manage the service applicable to their area.
The meeting was made aware of the timescales for procuring the service, with the desire for the contract to commence on 1st April, 2016.
RESOLVED that the specification of requirements and associated procurement strategy for the Environmental Enforcement Service be approved, to a value of £30,955 per annum, for one year with an opportunity to extend for two further year periods, and that delegated authority be given to the Service Director- Stronger, Safer and Healthier Communities to make minor amendments where necessary.
2 Page 90 33 Housing enforcement (Dac.16.11.2015/6)
Following on from previous discussions, the meeting considered extending the posts of Private Sector Housing Officer, and Enforcement and Investigations Officer, for a further year. This would take the posts to March, 2017 and to November, 2016 respectively.
The significant impact of the officers was acknowledged and Members were supportive of the extension. It was noted that the finance required would be less than previously envisaged at £62,000 as opposed to £75,000. A suggestion was made to consider whether a third officer could be funded to further support the work.
RESOLVED:- (i) that approval be given to extend the post of Private Sector Housing Officer, and Enforcement and Investigations Officer, each for a further year at a total cost of £62,000; (ii) that consideration be given to funding an additional officer to further support private sector housing enforcement work.
34 Notes from following Ward Alliances (Dac.16.11.2015/7)
The meeting received the notes from the Dearne North Ward Alliance held on 29th September, and Dearne South Ward Alliance held on 14th October, 2015.
Brief feedback was provided from Councillor Worton on the notes from Deane North, and it was noted that action plans are in place and have been agreed.
Councillor Sixsmith updated Members on the work of Dearne South Alliance. It was acknowledged that plans were still in development but that this had not impeded delivery. The need to engage more volunteers and develop more group was acknowledged.
At this point in the proceedings Members held a two minute silence to mark the passing of those in recent attacks in France.
It was noted that arrangements were in place for the Christmas event in St. Andrew’s Square and it was thought that this may help to stimulate more community action. Support available to assist group and project development was stressed, as was then need to stimulate this in order to allocate funds available to worthwhile projects.
Councillor Noble added that a trained potter had agreed to work with interested parties to ensure used of the kiln.
RESOLVED that notes from the respective Ward Alliances be received.
35 Report on the Use of Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds (Dac.16.11.2015/8)
The report was introduced by the Area Council Manager and Members noted the amounts of finance still available for the 2015/16 financial year, which included any finance carried forward.
3 Page 91 For Dearne North, £9,159.79 of the £10,109.49 Devolved Ward Budget had been allocated and £6,830 of the £13,938.85 of the Ward Alliance Fund.
For Dearne South, £6,472.68 of the Devolved Ward Budget had been allocated, and £2,800 of the £13,660.85 of the Ward Alliance Fund.
Members were reminded of the support available from the Area Team to help accelerate the development of projects to apply for relevant funds.
RESOLVED that the report on the Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds be received.
Members noted the recent success of local groups in the Pride of Barnsley Awards and the Chair praised the hard work of all involved.
Councillor Worton made Members aware of arrangements being made for a memorial bench to mark the passing of Councillor Dave Sim. Councillor Worton agreed to write to all members to invite them to the dedication ceremony.
------Chair
4 Page 92 Item 23 MEETING: North Area Council DATE: Monday, 23 November 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Meeting Room 14, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Burgess (Chair), Cave, Cherryholme, Grundy, Howard, Spence and Tattersall
34 Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest.
35 Minutes of the North Area Council meeting held on 21st September 2015 (Nac.23.11.2015/2)
The Area Council received the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21st September 2015.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the North Area Council meeting held on the 21st September 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
Minute no. 24 - it was highlighted that a Councillor representative from each ward also sits on the financial inclusion project steering group, alongside the Area Council Manager.
Minute no. 27 (ii) – it was agreed that the Area Council Manager will establish detailed information in respect of the fee payable to BMBC Enforcement Services.
Minute no. 27 (iii) – following enquiries made to the Legal Department, income received from littering, dog fouling fines and nuisance parking can be used to offset the cost of procuring the service in the future.
36 Sheffield City Region - DEC Representative
Martin Beasley, Economic Policy Manager, Economic Regeneration, was welcomed to the meeting to speak about the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Strategic Economic Plan and Devolution update. Key issues to note included: This is an economic deal. The SCR single pot for economic growth includes the £30m x 30 years allocation. The Combined Authority (CA) Mayoral governance remit will not have powers over the Police and Health Services. Full devolution of the Adult Skills Budget for college and training providers and co-design and co-commissioning of new employment programmes The directly elected Mayor and CA will receive powers from Whitehall rather than aggregate powers from local areas. Skills, infrastructure, housing and business growth are key objectives.
1 Page 93 There is much to be negotiated over the coming months, with the current Spending Review process a significant issue.
It was highlighted that Barnsley will be leading on the £3.8m business start up programme. The Business Plan will be submitted by 4th December. Chesterfield, North-East Derbyshire and Bolsover have pulled out due to financial constraints.
It was reported that as Barnsley borders West Yorkshire it is also involved with the Leeds City Region (LCR) partnership, where a much simpler approach is used.
It was pointed out that the North Area Council has contributed to the skills development objective with the Internship project. The Enterprising Young People project has also been very successful.
RESOLVED that a workshop will be set up in each Ward to test out ideas for skills and business development and to identify gaps.
Martin Beasley was thanked for his attendance and contribution.
37 Celebration Event Update (Nac.23.11.2015/4)
The Area Council Manager introduced this item and updated Members with respect to the organisation of the event, which is to take place on Thursday 26th November with a 6.30 p.m. start. A briefing note will be sent out to all Members, outlining their responsibilities as hosts for the event. The event will provide an opportunity for the Ward Alliances to showcase their work alongside the Stronger Communities Grants projects and Area Council commissioned projects. The main outcomes will be ‘learning, sharing and networking’. Invitations have gone out to all identified groups, with confirmed guests standing at 53 as of today’s date.
38 Community Magazine Update (Nac.23.11.2015/5)
The Area Council Manager provided members with an update on the development of the North Area Council Community Magazine. Comments which have been received will be taken away by Corporate Communications. All members will receive a copy of the final draft prior to publication on Friday and distribution on 14th December along with CAB and DIAL leaflets. The Area Council Chair and Manager will oversee any further changes. It was pointed out that this is an opportunity to share with residents the good work which has taken place in the North Area Council area.
39 Procurement Update (Nac.23.11.2015/6)
The Area Council Manager provided Members with an update with respect to the financial position and forecast for expenditure together with updates regarding the procurement of the Summer Holiday Internship 2016 project and the Environmental Enforcement procurement project for service provision post March 2016. It was highlighted that £68,483 remains uncommitted from the 2014/15 and 2016/17 budgets. Future budget allocations for post 2016/17 remain unclear. Future contracts will be let on a year by year basis with break clauses.The Summer Holiday Internship tender is out to advert at the moment with a return date for expressions of interest of 7th December. It is envisaged that interviews will be held in January. The Environment Enforcement tender will be advertised in early December.
2 Page 94
RESOLVED that the North Area Council considers how the remaining funding is utilised to meet the needs of the Area, concentrating on the design and procurement of projects which will address the Area priorities.
40 Commissioned Projects Performance Report (Nac.23.11.2015/7)
The Area Council Manager provided an update with respect to the Summer Holiday Internship project 2015 together with the Environment Enforcement project. It was noted that although C & K Careers Summer Holiday Internship project delivered well against outcomes, it fell short of the total number of young people enrolling on the 2015 programme despite initial positive interest from schools. 86 students from the North and North East were engaged by the end of July against a target of 120. The successful provider for summer 2016 will be expected to link in with all the eligible colleges to ensure maximum participation in the project.
The Environmental Enforcement service provided by Kingdom Security met all agreed outcomes. To date 176 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and 58 parking charge notices (PCNs) have been issued in the area. The number of FPNs/PCNs has decreased over recent months, due to a combination of education and officers concentrating on parking contraventions. Sustainability and continued Area Council investment was discussed in relation to the future of this project.
The juvenile ‘litter pick’ case study was discussed. Juveniles committing an offence of littering are offered the opportunity to discharge the liability for the offence through attending an organised litter pick rather than a financial penalty. To date 35 juveniles have opted for the litter pick.
RESOLVED that Members note the Project Performance Reports for the Summer Holiday Internship and the Environmental Enforcement Service.
41 Stronger Communities Grant Performance Report (Nac.23.11.2015/8)
The Area Council Manager outlined the performance of the five Stronger Communities Grants Projects, which are Ad Astra Barnsley CIC – Broadening Horizons; Athersley Cares; Romero Communities; Greenworks Barnsley and RVS – Barnsley North Looking Out for Older People. More detailed performance information will be provided at the next relevant meeting.
42 Report on the use of Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds (Nac.23.11.2015/9)
The report was introduced by the Area Council Manager, and attention drawn to the levels of finance carried forward, and current levels of expenditure in respect of the Devolved Ward Budget, Ward Alliance Fund and Public Health financial contribution. Members were reminded of the need to prioritise the efficient expenditure of the remaining budgets, in line with guidance on spend.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
43 Notes from the following Ward Alliances (Nac.23.11.2015/10)
3 Page 95 The meeting received the notes from the Darton East Ward Alliance held on 3rd September and 8th October; Darton West Ward Alliance held on 12th October; Old Town Ward Alliance held on 14th October and St Helen's Ward Alliance held on 8th October.
In Darton West a ‘Monday Afternoon Club’ is being developed to encourage engagement and involvement of older residents. The Ward Alliance is also working with Darton College who have generously provided some IT training.
It was reported that the litter pick at Asda went well, with 62 bags collected in less than 2 hours. It was reported that Barnsley Football Club are looking at placements for young people as part of the National Citizenship Service programme. It was felt that this should follow on from the summer internship programme.
A blue Norwegian spruce ‘memory tree’ has been erected at the New Hope Methodist Church in the St. Helens Ward, with funding from the devolved ward budget. Thanks were expressed to the Forge who have transformed 10 out of 20 of the community allotments, which people are now coming forward for.
RESOLVED that the notes of the respective Ward Alliances be noted.
------Chair
4 Page 96 Item 24 MEETING: North East Area Council DATE: Thursday, 3 December 2015 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Meeting Room 1, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Hayward (Chair), Cheetham, Clements, Ennis, S. Green, Hampson, Higginbottom, Makinson, Richardson, Sheard and C. Wraith MBE
31 Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Councillor Hayward declared a non-pecuniary interest in Minute no. 38 on the agenda – ‘North East Area Council Priorities and Financial Consideration’ in view of his position as Chair of Barnsley Community Build (BCB). He left the meeting during discussion and voting on this item.
32 Minutes of the Previous Meeting of North East Area Council held on Thursday 1st October 2015 (Neac. 03.12.15)
The meeting considered the minutes from the previous meeting of the North East Area Council held on 1st October 2015.
In respect of Minute no. 29 (ii) it was reported that residents are querying when the self closing gate on the Shafton Green Play area will be replaced. The Area Council Manager agreed to chase this up.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the North East Area Council held on 1st October 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
33 Notes of the Following Ward Alliances with Feedback from each Ward Alliance Chair (Neac.03.12.15/3)
The meeting received notes from the Cudworth, Monk Bretton, North East and Royston Ward Alliances held throughout August September and October. The following updates were noted:-
Cudworth – The Christmas Event was very successful, attended by over 400 people.
Monk Bretton – 94 poppies are to be placed at the War Memorial, one for each fallen soldier. The History Group will meet at the Community Centre early in the New Year to collate the history of the soldiers. Christmas events will take place at Burton Grange tonight and at St Paul’s tomorrow.
North East – It was reported that a community payback scheme had led to the replacement of the paving slabs on the walk to the Cenotaph, which had been well received by the Royal British Legion. Three of the community notice boards have been replaced, with the Great Houghton notice board to be installed imminently.
1 Page 97
The Christmas Tree switch on community events have been held in Brierley and Grimethorpe and were supported and enjoyed by the local residents. The events included Choirs from the local Primary Schools singing Christmas carols. Shafton Ward Alliance has appointed 2 new members and it is hoped that the Ward Alliance will now work more closely with Shafton Parish Council.
Royston – It was reported that schools have been involved in planting bedding plants. Work on the community orchard is ongoing. Recently funded projects include Royston Canal Club and a new Guide group. The ‘Adopt a Planter’ scheme will be entering Yorkshire in Bloom next year. The Christmas event at the Albert Shepherd centre took place last Monday, with local schools, a band, a choir and Santa in attendance. It was reported that there are ongoing problems with fly-tipping at Carlton, which have been highlighted in the Barnsley Chronicle. The Scrutiny Task and Finish Group are looking at the issue of fly-tipping, the outcomes from which will be considered by Cabinet for implementation Borough-wide at Area Council/Ward Alliance level. It was highlighted that the problem is reaching ‘epidemic’ proportion in some areas.
RESOLVED that the notes from the Ward Alliances be received.
34 Changes to the Community Representation on the North East and Monk Bretton Ward Alliances (verbal reports from the Ward Alliance Chairs)
It was reported that Derek Dyson and Peter Makinson have been appointed to the North East Ward Alliance and Tom Sheard has been appointed to the Monk Bretton Ward Alliance.
RESOLVED that this information be noted.
35 NEAC Financial Position and Procurement Update (Neac 03.12.15/5)
The Area Council Manager provided the North East Area Council with the current financial position and forecast for expenditure into 2016-17 together with an update regarding the procurement of the Employability for Under 16’s 2016 initiative and the Environmental Enforcement procurement for service provision post March 2016.
Based in the current profiled spend agreed with providers, the North East Area Council has £133,836 uncommitted from the 2015/16 budget together with £168,712 uncommitted from the 2016/17 budget. Due to the uncertainty surrounding future budget allocations, future contracts will be let on a year by year basis, with break clauses, for the foreseeable future. An agreement is in place whereby Area Councils could devolve up to £20,000 to Ward Alliances.
It was explained that any income raised from enforcement activity by way of fines will be reconciled at the end of the financial year for each Area Council.
RESOLVED that the report regarding the financial position of the Area Council be noted, together with the procurement progress update with regard to the Employment for Under 16’s initiative 2016 and Environmental Enforcement after March 2016.
2 Page 98 36 Report on the use of Area Council Budgets, Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds (Neac 03.12.15/6)
The Area Council Manager introduced this item and highlighted the spend to date.
Details of the Ara Council funding are included in the Project Performance Report (Neac. 03.12.15/7)
The North East Area Council has a Devolved Ward Budget grant allocation of £81,939.54 for the 2015-16 financial year, made up of a £40,000 allocation for 2015- 16 and a carry forward allocation of £41,939.54 from the 2014-15 financial year.
The Ward Alliances are all on track with regard to spend, and further details can be found in the report (Neac.03.12.15/5)
RESOLVED that the report on the use of Area Council Budgets, Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds be received and noted.
37 North East Area Council Project Performance Report - update on the delivery of commissioned projects (Neac 03.12.15/7)
The Area Council Manager explained that to date 3 contracts have formally completed contract monitoring and contract management reporting. These are Barnsley Community Build, Kingdom Security and C and K Careers. The Barnsley Community Build and Kingdom Security contracts are meeting their milestones and outcome indicator targets and the Councillors commented on how pleased they were with these initiatives. There is overall satisfaction with delivery against the C & K Careers project although a couple of the outputs are ‘amber’ RAG rated, and these are being addressed.
A discussion took place regarding anti-social/youth nuisance problems being experienced in local parks. It was felt that the restructure of the Police and associated reduction in resources has led to an increase in problems of this nature, which will take some time to settle down. It was felt that Berneslai Homes and Housing Associations also have a part to play in tackling this problem. Members were urged to continue to report problems to the Police.
RESOLVED that the North East Area Project Performance report be received and noted.
38 North East Area Council Priorities and Financial Considerations (Neac 03.12.15/8)
Due to his previously declared interest in respect of this item, Councillor Hayward left the meeting during discussion and voting on this item. In view of the absence of the Chair, Councillor Cheetham was appointed as Chair for this item only.
Members considered an extension to the contract for the North East Environment Team initiatives for the Cudworth and North East areas, and the Monk Bretton and Royston areas for a further 6 months going forward from 1st March 2016 to 1st
3 Page 99 September 2016 to ensure continuity of provision, pending the review of the Commissioning and Procurement Framework, which should lead to a co-ordinated approach to commissioning.
It was highlighted that the provider was meeting and surpassing targets.
RESOLVED
(i) that the North East Area Council continues to fund the North East Environment Team initiatives for the Cudworth and North East areas, and the Monk Bretton and Royston areas for a further 6 months from 1st March 2016 to ensure continuity of provision under the contract, and
(ii) that authorisation be given to the Interim Service Director of Safer, Stronger, Healthier Communities, in conjunction with the Interim Head of Strategic Commissioning and Procurement to complete the paperwork to extend the contract.
39 Community Magazine update
The Area Council Manager provided Members with a draft copy of the ‘Village Life’ community magazine, which will be printed and distributed before Christmas. A discussion took place around the issue of adopting a ‘hedgehog’ mascot for the North East Area Council and possibly including a ‘children’s page’ in the next issue of the magazine. It was felt that the map on the front of the draft copy would benefit from the addition of village names in the North East.
RESOLVED that the draft copy of the community magazine be approved.
40 Volunteering Celebration Event
The Area Council Manager explained that the Volunteering Celebration Event will take place in February/March 2016. One Member from each Ward will be required to sit on the Steering Group, which will convene early in the New Year. The event will be an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to all volunteers for their hard work together with a chance to reflect on all the good work and initiatives which have taken place over the last year.
The Chair also took the opportunity to thank the North East Area Council officers for their hard work over the year and to wish all those present a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
------Chair
4 Page 100 Item 25 MEETING: Penistone Area Council DATE: Thursday, 10 December 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Council Chamber, Penistone Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Barnard (Chair), Griffin, Hand-Davis, Millner and Unsworth
24 Declarations of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests.
Councillor Hand-Davis declared a non pecuniary interest in minute number 25 in relation to discussion about DIAL, due to his position as a trustee.
25 Minutes of the Penistone Area Council meeting held on 22nd October, 2015. (PAC.10.12.2015/2)
The Area Council received the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22nd October, 2015.
The Area Council Manager made Members aware that DIAL would be delivering a service in the area for 0.5 days a week from January, 2016. This was to be delivered from the Town Hall in Penistone. Other possible venues were discussed, and it was noted that the venue could be changed if take up of the service was low at the Town Hall.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Penistone Area Council meeting held on the 22nd October, 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
26 Notes from the Penistone East and West Ward Alliance held on 29th October, 2015. (PAC.10.12.2015/3)
The meeting received the notes from the Penistone East and West Ward Alliance held on 29th October, 2015.
RESOLVED that the notes from the Penistone East and West Ward Alliance held on 29th October, 2015 be received.
27 Ward Alliance Membership and Attendance.
The Chair introduced the item, highlighting that a small number of community members on the Ward Alliance neither attended, nor sent apologies.
Ward Alliance guidance suggested that individuals would cease to be Members, should they neither attend nor send apologies for 3 consecutive meetings. However, it was noted that this had not been strictly applied.
It was suggested that the Chair send a letter to those in question, reiterating the desire for their organisation to be part of the Ward Alliance and asking them to nominate another representative should they no longer be able to attend. It was also
1 Page 101 suggested that it may be useful to highlight the work of the Ward Alliance and stress that this may be different from their observations at its inception.
Members discussed representation from Penistone Grammar School, and it was agreed to try to discuss the matter again with the headteacher.
RESOLVED that the Chair writes to community representatives on the Ward Alliance who have neither attended or send apologies for some time, with reference to their membership.
28 Report on the use of Devolved Ward Budget and Ward Alliance Fund. (PAC.10.12.2015/5)
The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, who provided up to date figures detailing expenditure from the Devolved Ward Budget, Ward Alliance Fund, which included funds allocated from Public Health.
From the Devolved Ward Budget, approximately £800 remained to be allocated in Penistone East, and approximately £2,100 in Penistone West.
From the combined Ward Alliance Fund approximately £27,000 remained. Members noted that applications to the value of around £7,500 were due to be considered by the next meeting of the Ward Alliance.
RESOLVED that the report detailing the use of Devolved Ward Budget and Ward Alliance Fund be noted.
29 Penistone Area Council commissioning, procurement and funding update. (PAC.10.12.2015/6)
The item was introduced by the Area Council Manager. Members were made aware of the outcome of the recent monitoring meeting with Growforest regarding the Countryside Skills Training commission. It was noted that 16 learners had now achieved a LANTRA Level 1 qualification in dry stone walling, and that 10 further trainees were due to take the test in December, 2015.
A number of case studies were considered and those present praised the impact the commission had on the lives of participants. It was acknowledged that only a small number of participants perceived countryside skills as a viable enterprise, and perhaps more support to provide the skills to become self employed was required.
With regards to the Clean and Tidy Commission, it was noted that delivery had now commenced, with two staff and one apprentice to be employed by the service. A number of ideas to engage volunteers had been developed and it was agreed to circulate details about these arrangements to Councillors when they became available.
Members heard how two proposals submitted to the Working Together Fund had now proceeded to be further developed into second stage applications. The meeting was reminded that the fund was still open for applications.
2 Page 102 RESOLVED that the update on the delivery of commissions and the financial position of the Area Council commissioning budget for 2015/16 and 2016/17 be noted.
30 Community Magazine - final draft. (PAC.10.12.2015/7)
Members considered the final version of the community magazine, noting that this would shortly be delivered to each house in both Penistone East and Penistone West Wards.
The meeting was reminded that the next edition would be circulated in Summer 2016, and that articles had to be provided by the end of March, 2016. It was suggested that the magazine ought to feature arrangements being made to commemorate the centenary of the battle of the Somme.
RESOLVED that the final draft of the Community Magazine ‘Penistone Matters’ be received.
------Chair
3 Page 103 This page is intentionally left blank Item 26 MEETING: South Area Council DATE: Friday, 18 December 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Meeting Room, Wombwell Library
MINUTES
Present Councillors Stowe (Chair), Andrews BEM, Coates, Franklin, Frost, Lamb, Markham, Morgan, Saunders, Shepherd and R. Wraith
28 Declarations of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Councillors Franklin, Lamb and Shepherd declared non-pecuniary interests in Minute no 32 in respect of their positions as directors of Forge Community Partnership.
29 Minutes of the Meeting of South Area Council held on 23.10.2015 (Sac.18.12.2015/2)
The meeting considered the minutes of South Area Council held on 23rd October, 2015.
Arising out of the discussion, Councillor R Wraith apologised for comments made at the previous meeting and for any offence caused.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the South Area Council held on 23rd October, 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
30 Notes of the following Ward Alliances (Sac.18.12.2015/3)
The meeting received the notes from the following Ward Alliances Hoyland Milton and Rockingham held on 19th October, 2015; Darfield held on 12th November, 2015; and Wombwell held on 10th November, 2015.
RESOLVED that the notes from the Ward Alliances be received.
31 National Citizen Service Presentation
Hannah Philips and Jo Thornton from Barnsley Football Club were welcomed to the meeting and Hannah gave a presentation on the National Citizen Service, a programme for Y11 and Y 12 students (or equivalent age) provided via the Football League Trust and funded by the Government.
The Barnsley Football Club had started delivery in 2011 with a pilot and Nationally, over 200,000 students had taken part to date with 4,500 participating in the Yorkshire and Humber region over the past year.
1 Page 105 Hannah explained the aims of this four week programme. Week one provided a week of activities designed to build confidence and develop teamwork skills, decision making and leadership. Week two provided an opportunity for students to start to find their own independence though learning to budget, cook and look after themselves. Weeks three and four enabled all these skills to be put into practice as a team by developing a social action project within the community involving 30 hours planning and 30 hours delivery.
Within Barnsley all Secondary Schools had participated to a greater or lesser extent and the aim was to build on this success by encouraging others to participate in the programme. The Area Council could assist in this by each Ward providing a social action project per summer, by influencing lower performing schools to participate, by encouraging students to sign up, by spreading the word to local organisations and by identifying a database of potential projects.
The benefits to the area were that there was no additional workload or financial cost associated with the programme as it was fully funded and delivered by a network of fully trained, qualified and vetted professionals. It would put the Area Council firmly ‘on the map’ as students would engage with the local community and provide positive public relations opportunities by shining a light on all the great things currently undertaken. In addition, the opportunities were ongoing as the project continued throughout the year so there was potentially always a flow through of students available to help on projects.
Past schemes had included projects for Barnsley Hospice, Local Schools, Age UK, Barnsley Foodbank, Sexual Health and various Community Centres.
The Area Council very much welcomed this programme and members discussed ways of promoting it further together with potential projects for development. It was suggested that Councillor Cheetham, in his capacity as Cabinet Spokesperson for People (Achieving Potential) could raise the profile within schools. The potential for members to support their Ward Alliances to develop projects supported by NCS was also discussed.
The funding arrangements were highlighted and discussed. It was noted that the programme cost approximately £1,600 and that pupils were expected to contribute £50 towards this and raise additional funding towards the individual project. Half of the funding raised was used towards the project with half being set aside to assist in funding other programmes. Pupil Premium pupils might be eligible to receive contributory funding towards this from that allocation.
It was noted that the programme was fully inclusive and there was a discussion of linking with the Summer Internship Programme. The Area Council Manager could provide appropriate details of the contacts together with contact details for other potential organisations with links to young people - ‘Connexions’, Guides, Community Groups, and Army Cadets etc.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the presentation be received and the contents thereof be noted; and
2 Page 106 (ii) that Hannah Philips and Jo Thornton be thanked for attending the meeting and for answering members questions.
32 Report on the Use of Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds (Sac.18.12.2015/5)
Members received the report which provided details of the latest expenditure from the Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds.
The meeting was reminded that that the Ward Alliance Fund was underspent and that project development should be accelerated where possible to utilise finance.
Arising out of the discussion reference was made to the following:
There was a need to look at planning and development to ensure that volunteer hours were taken into account appropriately and ‘matched’ to the equivalent monetary value. One such scheme referred to was one at the rear of Washington Avenue, Wombwell. Volunteer hours also needed to be addressed on various schemes within Darfield One group had recently been established within Middlecliffe which was would need gardening equipment and other associated equipment. It was suggested that appropriate links be forged with the Tidy Team and this group The work of the Tidy Team was referred to. It was important to ensure that all staff and volunteers were appropriately trained particularly in Health and Safety and this was in hand. Reference was also made to the need to undertake work in the vicinity of the Bromhill car park and to the need for more volunteers in this area
RESOLVED that the report on the use of Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds be received.
33 South Area Council Performance Report (Sac.18.12.2015/6)
This item was introduced by the Area Council Manager, who drew attention to
The Area Council priorities and the current position with regard to Providers who had been appointed to deliver a series of services to address those priorities and deliver the outcomes and social value objectives of the Area Council. It also detailed the current position with regard to contract value and length, the contract start date and re-commissioning date (if applicable). The Area Council Manager also gave an oral update of the current position with regard to re-commissioning. Part A – the overview of performance Part B, featuring more in depth information on the performance of each contract
With regard to the work of the Environmental Enforcement Team, it was noted that the number of Fixed Penalty Notices issued for littering was 805 compared to 626 reported previously. In addition, it was noted that 20 notices had been issued in the previous week. Visits had been made to ASOS and meetings were to be held with that company to explore working with staff to try to keep the grounds and surrounding
3 Page 107 public areas clear of litter which was currently an issue for those living near the site. ASOS were keen to promote this and resolve the problem. They had recently installed 30 litter bins on their land. An investigation would be undertaken to ensure that multi lingual ‘anti-littering’ signs were displayed. A ‘promotional campaign’ was being considered.
The number of Parking PCN Notices was now 174 compared to 150 previously reported. The number of young people referred to restorative justice provision had risen to 10 compared to 5 previously reported. The income received from enforcement activity was now £41,394 compared to the previously reported figure of £29,844.
Reference was made to the Case Studies provided by BMBC Welfare Rights and Barnsley Citizen’s Advice Bureau for the One Stop Shop contract which were appended to the report many of which made sombre reading and these very much highlighted the need to continue addressing the social value objectives of the Area Council. In this context reference was made to the One Stop Shop which had seen over a 50% increase in clients since the previous quarter for both Welfare Rights and Citizens Advice sessions. Arising out of this discussion, reference was made to the benefits gained as a result of advice received which amounted to nearly £1m. It was also noted that unmanageable debt was continuing to increase with a number of clients using pay day loan companies although it was pleasing to note that the number of clients choosing to use such companies appeared to be reducing.
Arising out of the above, reference was made to the difficulties associated with the increasing use of Zero Hours contracts, particularly in with retail sector, and to peoples working hours being restricted which was then impacting on benefits claimed.
It was noted that the number of clients referred for specialist help was continuing to rise with 427 cases referred compared to 314 previously reported.
Reference was made to the increasing use of FoodBanks and it was suggested that leaflets promoting the other services available be included within food parcels. It was noted that a FoodBank had now started in Hoyland via the Salvation Army who were now looking for referrals as well as volunteers.
Work was continuing in trying to increase the number of adult volunteers engaged as well as the number of young people engaged in volunteering. An article had been included within the Community Magazine but it was thought that word of mouth worked better.
Referring to the changing relationship between the Council and the Community it was noted that the number of businesses encouraged to maintain their own environment by the Tidy Team had continued to increase.
With regard to opportunities for young people, it was noted that currently 88% of students taking part in the Summer Internship Programme provided by C+K Careers were reporting increased confidence about future plans and consideration was being given to how the remaining 12% could be satisfactorily addressed. It was reported that a full evaluation report would be available late December and would be submitted to the Area Council as part of the Performance Management report for
4 Page 108 consideration at the February meeting. It was noted that C+K Careers staff would now stay in touch with the young people right through Y11 and until they were settled into their first positive destination post 16.
There was a discussion centring on need to better understand the social return on investment provided by the Area Council commissioned projects. The Area Council Manager reported that external consultants had been brought in to help to develop this understanding and, in addition to training staff in social return methodologies, would also be doing an in-depth analysis on one project per Area Council. The One Stop Shop had been chosen for the South Area, but following training from consultants, it was hoped that the Area Teams would also be able to assess the other Area Council projects.
The positive messages arising from the publication and distribution of the Community Magazine were highlighted although it was noted that not all areas had received a copy. The Area Council Manager would take this matter up to ensure that, as far as possible, there was a full area distribution. Arising out of this, reference was made to the need to ensure that wherever possible, positive messages about the type of work being undertaken and the initiatives of the Area Council were given out, this could be at meetings or via press opportunities. Members were encouraged to highlight issues at the full Council meeting which, it was noted, was also webcast. To this end, the Chair also commented that it was his intention to attend Ward Alliance meetings on a quarterly basis starting in February, to bring Ward Alliance members up to date on the progress of Area Council projects in their area, and to identify potential ways for Alliances to actively support and promote them.
Arising out of the above, reference was made to the extremely good recycling rates for the area which it was suggested should be highlighted via the media. The Service Director Organisation and Workforce Improvement would ensure that this was picked up as part of the quarterly media report.
RESOLVED that the report on the performance of contracted services be received.
34 South Area Council update on future commissions for 2015/16 and 2016/17 (Sac.18.12.2015/7)
The Area Council Manager introduced this item, which followed on from discussions at previous meetings.
Members were referred to section 4.2 of the report which presented details and costs of the projects under development together with progress to date. It was noted that a number of amendments as suggested at previous meetings had been incorporated into the projects submitted for approval.
One project originally identified for approval, the funding of a Veteran Support Pack and Launch Conference, was not likely to be needed at this stage as, following further investigation, the Area Council Manager had identified that a number of other organisations had already produced good quality information and that help was mainly needed with better promotion and distribution to which there was unlikely to be a significant cost. In addition, the newly developed Veteran Awareness Training one day course run by the University of York had similar content to the planned conference outline and access to these courses through South and West Yorkshire
5 Page 109 Foundation Health Trust was currently being negotiated by the Area Council Manager.
RESOLVED that approval be given to commission for 2016/17, the projects outlined within Section 4.2 of the report now submitted in accordance with the costings detailed:
(a) Provision of 100 x A3 signs ‘this is an area maintained by volunteers’ for clean up sites at a cost of £375; (b) Youth Asset Mapping Events (1 in each Ward) to be delivered by the Forge Community Partnership and Digital Media Club at a cost of £5,000 (c) Delivery of Health Asset Mapping Conference at a cost of £1,000 (d) Provision of a Fire Cadet Scheme for young people at a cost of £12,157.81 for 16 Cadets meeting 39 times per year (e) Provision of 1 Week Achieving Respect and Confidence (ARC) course for 14 young people at risk of offending at a cost of £5,000
35 South Area Council update on Recommissioning of Existing Commissioned Projects during 2016/17 (Sac.18.12.2015/8)
The Area Council Manager introduced this item, which followed on from discussion at the previous meeting.
Members were referred to Section 4 of the report which outlined the progress made towards the recommissioning of the existing projects referred to in Section 3.2 of the report with specific reference to the One Stop Shop Advice Sessions; the Tidy Team and Tidy Team Apprentices; the Summer Internship Programme and the Environmental Enforcement Contract.
Members discussed the funding arrangements currently in place and the Area Manager made specific reference to waivers obtained to enable contracts to be extended, where appropriate. As Area Council funding was currently only confirmed until March 2017, certain contracts due to be recommissioned mid-year could not go out to tender for less than twelve months. For the One Stop Shop advice sessions contract, which currently ran to June 2016, a waiver had been granted to March 2017 which would them allow a recommissioning of the service from 2017 if Area Council funds were confirmed. The Tidy Team contract currently ran to August 2016 and it was possible that a waiver to March 2017 may be granted nearer to the time for the same reason, if future Area Council funding was still unclear.
Particular reference was also made to the Summer Internship Programme which was currently being recommissioned for the 2016 summer cohort. Shortlisting for this had already been completed and interviews with the top 3 applicants would be completed in January, to give the appointed provider adequate time to access schools and to source placements for work experience.
RESOLVED that the progress towards the recommissioning of existing commissioned projects as outlined within Section 4 of the report be noted.
6 Page 110 ------Chair
7 Page 111 This page is intentionally left blank Item 27 MEETING: Central Area Council DATE: Monday, 11 January 2016 TIME: 2.00 pm VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors D. Green (Chair), D. Birkinshaw, P. Birkinshaw, Bruff, G. Carr, J. Carr, Clarke, Johnson, Mathers (Mayor), Mitchell, Pourali, Riggs and Williams.
24. Declaration of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests
Councillor G. Carr declared a non-pecuniary interest in minute number 28 as trustee of DIAL Barnsley and Homestart South Yorkshire.
25. Minutes of the Previous Meeting of Central Area Council held on 9th November, 2015 (Cen.11.01.2016/2)
The meeting received the minutes from the previous meeting of Central Area Council held on 9th November, 2015.
Members were made aware that RVS had now attended a GP practice meeting. An interest in referring to the service to reduce loneliness and isolation in older people was expressed, however, it was noted that this had not yet resulted in any additional referrals to date.
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Central Area Council held on 9th November, 2015 be approved as a true and correct record.
26. Public Health - presentation and discussion (Cen.11.01.2016/3)
The item was introduced by the Chair, who welcomed Liz Pitt – Research and Business Intelligence Manager and Rebecca Clarke – Public Health Specialist Practitioner to the meeting.
Liz Pitt gave a presentation that provided an overview of deprivation and associated health inequalities in the Central Council area. This showed changes over time, and highlighted the disparities between Wards in the area.
The presentation considered a number of areas of concern for children and young people in the area. These included child poverty; smoking prevalence; and achievement at Key Stage 2.
The same was also highlighted for adults within area, which included mortality rates from cancer and respiratory disease; long term unemployment; fuel poverty; and smoking prevalence. Also presented were the risk factors contributing to deaths in the area, which were associated with lifestyle choices. The presentation from Rebecca Clarke that followed reminded Members of the recent transfer of the Public Health function to the Council, including the services it was mandated to commission or provide. In addition Members also considered the
1 Page 113 range of discretionary services provided. The meeting heard how the Public Health Strategy 2016-18 had recently been approved and noted three areas of focus in the short term:- improving the oral health of children; creating a smokefree generation; and increasing levels of physical activity. It was noted that the budget for Public Health was approximately £16.7m per year across Barnsley, but was subject to in-year savings of around £1m.
Members considered some of the issues raised by the data presented, alongside the support in place to help address these. It was noted that the data was the latest available, but may not reflect any recent changes which had taken place over the past 2-3 years.
The meeting went on to discuss how Central Area Council could add value to the work being delivered in order to try to improve delivery, and increase the impact of any intervention.
The Chair proposed arranging a workshop, with relevant officers and Members in attendance to further explore this issue.
RESOLVED that the Area Manager arranges a workshop between Members and relevant officers to discuss health issues, support already in place, and how Central Area Council can add value.
27. Check and Challenge - update report (Cen.11.01.2016/4)
The Area Council Manager introduced the item, referring to the steps made to progress the three Check and Challenge exercises.
With regards to the exercise with Neighbourhood Services, Members heard how officers had agreed to provide a commentary about service delivery over the past six months. However, this had yet to be provided and therefore a workshop had yet to be organised.
Members expressed concern at the lack of response from the service, and the importance of this information in not only taking forward the Check and Challenge element of Central Area Council duties but also to ensure the contract with Twiggs did not duplicate work being undertaken by Neighbourhood Services. It was agreed that the views of Members be relayed to the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place and the relevant Executive and Service Directors.
The Area Council Manager provided an update on the progress being made with regards to the Check and Challenge exercise with local schools. This included discussion with the Principal at Horizon Community College who had agreed to participate. A workshop session was expected to be held in mid March, with the outcome and any recommendations being discussed at the Area Council meeting on 9th May, 2016.
The meeting went on to discuss the outcome of the exercise with the Targeted Youth Support Service, which had now been completed. Attention was drawn to the overview of the exercise which had been circulated, and the recommendations of the
2 Page 114 panel. The recommendations included repeating the exercise in September/October, 2016 when the service had been operational for a year.
RESOLVED:- (i) that the actions undertaken to progress the Check and Challenge exercise for Neighbourhood Services, and the update about the approach taken to progress the Check and Challenge of local schools be noted;
(ii) that the Chair liaises with the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place with regards to concerns with the lack of progress in taking forward the Check and Challenge exercise with Neighbourhood Services, and that these concerns are also raised with the relevant Executive and Service Directors;
(iii) that the outcome of the Check and Challenge exercise undertaken with the Targeted Youth Support Service be noted and the associated recommendations be approved.
28. Procurement and Financial Update (Cen.11.01.2016/5)
The Area Council Manager introduced the item and provided an update with regards to the two procurement exercises currently being progressed on behalf of the Area Council.
With regards to the procurement of a service to ‘Create a Cleaner and Greener Environment in Partnership with Local People’ it was noted that the advert for submissions had been placed with a closing date of 29th January, 2016. The tender was expected to be awarded towards the end of February, 2016 with the contract commencing 21st April, 2016.
Members then heard of progress in procuring the Environmental Enforcement Service. It was noted that the closing date for the return of tenders had passed and two had been received. Approval was expected to be given to a preferred contractor by 27th January, 2016 in order for the contract to commence on 1st April, 2016.
Members sought assurances that the contract would not be awarded on price alone, but that a quality service was required. The Area Manager confirmed that the specification of requirements and procurement strategy would help to ensure this. Concern was expressed with regards to a Member representative not being included on the tender evaluation panel, noting the timescales involved and the practice of other Area Councils not to include Members on the Panels. It was agreed that the Chair would formally raise this concern with relevant officers involved in procurement.
Members were reminded of previous discussion, where an indication was given that they would like to continue providing a home visiting and support service for families with young children, as currently provided by Homestart. In order to do this it was suggested that the current contract with Homestart be extended until 31st March, 2016 at a cost of £5,300 and that a procurement exercise is undertaken to commission a service from 1st April, 2016 to 31st March, 2017.
The Area Manager updated the meeting on the progress made in delivering a Youth Programme to improve the health and wellbeing of young people aged 13-19 years. The Youth Programme Panel had met on 8th December, 2015 and recommended
3 Page 115 three projects, which had subsequently been approved by the Executive Director Communities. The meeting discussed the projects to be delivered and Members taking part in the Panel remarked how well the process had gone.
The meeting considered the unallocated finance remaining for 2016/17, of £126,372, which combined with expected levels of income from Fixed Penalty Notices resulted in a figure of £156,372 remaining for use in 2016/17.
Members wished to express their thanks to all the staff involved in the delivery of Central Area Council commissioned services, and it was agreed that a letter be sent to this effect.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the update on procurement of the Environment Enforcement Service, and the service to Create a Cleaner and Greener Environment in Partnership with Local People be noted;
(ii) that the Chair formally raises the issue regarding Members desire to be involved on Tender Evaluation Panels with officers in procurement;
(iii) that authorisation be given to Executive Director Communities to complete the necessary paperwork in order to waive the contract procedure rules to extend the following contracts until 31st March, 2017:- Royal Voluntary Service – Reducing loneliness and isolation in older people – at a cost of £85,000; YMCA – Improving the overall health and wellbeing of children and young people aged 8-12 years – at a cost of £80,000.
(iv) that authorisation be given to the Executive Director Communities to complete necessary paperwork to progress the approach suggested to deliver a ‘Private rented home visiting and support service for families with young children’, firstly by extending the current contract delivered by Homestart to 31st March, 2016 at a cost of £5,300 and subsequently seeking 3 quotations to deliver the service from 1st April, 2016 to 31st March, 2017 to a value of £21,000;
(v) that the feedback from the Youth Programme approach and resulting appointment of providers to deliver a service to improve the overall health and wellbeing of young people aged 13-19 years across the Central Council Area be noted;
(vi) that the projected financial position for 2015/16 and 2016/17 be noted;
(vii) that the Chair puts in writing thanks to the officers delivering commissioned services on behalf of Central Area Council.
29. Notes of the Ward Alliances (Cen.11.01.2016/6)
The meeting received the notes of the meetings of the Ward Alliances within the Central Area held in October, November and December, 2015
RESOLVED that the notes from the Ward Alliances be received.
4 Page 116
30. Report on the Use of the Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Alliance Funds (Cen.11.01.2016/7)
The meeting received a report detailing expenditure from the Devolved Ward Budget and Ward Alliance Funds for the year to date. It was acknowledged that expenditure was higher in some wards than others, noting that a number of applications had been approved since the papers had been circulated.
Members were encouraged to accelerate project development where possible in order to allocate finance appropriately.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
------Chair
5 Page 117 This page is intentionally left blank item 30 MEETING: Cabinet DATE: Wednesday, 18 November 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Houghton CBE (Chair), Andrews BEM, Bruff, Cheetham, Gardiner, Miller and Platts
Members in Attendance: Councillor Sheard
121. Declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
122. Leader - Call-in of Cabinet decisions
The Leader reported that no decisions from the previous meeting held on 4th November, 2015 had been called in.
123. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 4th November 2015 (Cab.18.11.2015/3)
The minutes of the meeting held on 4th November, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
124. Decisions of Cabinet Spokespersons (Cab.18.11.2015/4)
The Record of Decisions taken by Cabinet Spokespersons under delegated powers during the week ending 6th November, 2015 were noted.
125. Petitions received under Standing Order 44 (Cab.18.11.2015/5)
It was reported that no petitions had been received under Standing Order 44.
Communities Spokesperson
126. Review of Welfare (Cab.18.11.2015/6)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the proposed model to reduce funding across Citizens Advice Bureau and the Council's in house welfare rights service and transform the service in 2016/17, as set out in the report submitted, be approved; and
(ii) that statutory consultation on the proposal be undertaken for a period of 12 weeks with members of the public, noting that staff have been placed on statutory consultation with effect from 9th October, 2015.
1 Page 119
People (Achieving Potential) Spokesperson
127. 2015 Education Outcomes in Barnsley (Cab.18.11.2015/7)
RESOLVED that the report detailing the overview of the 2015 educational outcomes in Barnsley for children and young people aged 5-16 in educational settings in Barnsley and the actions to be undertaken to progress further improvements at all key stages, be noted.
People (Safeguarding) Spokesperson
128. Adult Safeguarding Board - Annual Report (Cab.18.11.2015/8)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the contents of the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014-15, attached as the Executive Summary, be noted;
(ii) that the future policy and legislative changes and the ways in which these impact on the safeguarding of vulnerable adults, be noted; and
(iii) that the progress made in 2014-15 by the Safeguarding Adults Board, be noted.
129. Children's Safeguarding Board - Annual Report (Cab.18.11.2015/9)
RESOLVED:-
(ii) that the progress achieved by the Barnsley Local Safeguarding Children Board as outlined in its Annual Report, be noted; and
(i) that the Barnsley LSCB's Annual Report alongside the Annual Report of the Barnsley Local Safeguarding Adults Board as part of Cabinet's continued consideration of the Borough's Safeguarding Framework for children and adults, be noted.
130. Adult Social Care Local Account 2015 (Cab.18.11.2015/10)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Barnsley Adult Social Care Local Account for 2014 be approved; and
(ii) that the basis for ongoing consultation with service users, carers and other interested parties about the performance of adult social care, future priorities and how these are reported to the public, as detailed in the attached document, be noted.
……………………………. Chair
2 Page 120 Item 31 MEETING: Cabinet DATE: Wednesday, 2 December 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Houghton CBE (Chair), Andrews BEM, Bruff, Cheetham, Gardiner, Griffin (for Howard), Miller and Platts
Members in Attendance: Councillors Cherryholme, Franklin, Morgan and Sheard
131. Declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
132. Leader - Call-in of Cabinet decisions
The Leader reported that no decisions from the previous meeting held on 18th November, 2015 had been called in.
133. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th November, 2015 (Cab.2.12.2015/3)
The minutes of the meeting held on 18th November, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
134. Decisions of Cabinet Spokespersons (Cab.2.12.2015/4)
There were no Records of Decisions taken by Cabinet Spokespersons under delegated powers to report.
135. Petitions received under Standing Order 44 (Cab.2.12.2015/5)
RESOLVED that the report notifying the receipt of the following petitions be noted and the recommended actions for responding to them be endorsed:-
(a) Containing 8 signatories, in respect of the request for the removal of Tree on Timothy Wood Avenue, Birdwell.
The tree has been inspected and found to be a relatively young common ash tree. It is alive and appears free of major defects or disease. It is upright and does nor lean towards any nearby assets not overhang any boundaries. It is wholly on Highways property and is not interfering with any utilities.
It has been pruned in recent years to control the lower branches of the crown so that it does not interfere with any passing pedestrians or vehicles. There are no defects in the adjacent highway or pavements that require action.
1 Page 121
No insurance claims have been associated with this tree, and there are none that are currently in the process.
Council policy is to only remove trees that are or likely to become a Health and Safety hazard and to mitigate insurance claims. Dead and dying trees come into this category, although a flexible approach is taken where problems might occur in the future.
There is no legal requirement to remove a tree merely because it sheds leaves and seeds during the autumn. A tree owner is not expected to control where they fall or blow to.
The trees adjacent to properties on Timothy Wood Avenue are immature, in very good health and do not meet any reasonable criteria for removal. As no Health & Safety issues have been identified, and no nearby assets appear to be affected, it is recommended that no further action be taken in response to the petition.
136. Future Council - Achieving Excellence (Cab.2.12.2015/6)
RESOLVED that the progress in taking forward the Future Council Strategy, including the recent highlights in the development of the organisation to a sustainable Future Council, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted.
137. Corporate Plan Performance Report - Quarter 2 (July - September) 2015/16 (Cab.2.12.2015/7)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the contents of the Quarter 2 Corporate Plan Performance Report for July to September 2015/16, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted;
(ii) that follow up reports arising from the Quarter 2 report be received in the future on:
Commercial Income Indicator (Cultural) Housing Completions Assistive Technology Timeline of resolving complaints Local Spend Barnsley Alliance Education Strategy
(iii) that this report be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to inform and support their ongoing work programme.
2 Page 122
138. Corporate Finance Summary - Quarter 2 Ending 30th September, 2015 (Cab.2.12.2015/8)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the financial performance of the Authority during the quarter ending 30th September, 2015, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted;
(ii) that Executive Directors/Directors (where appropriate) bring back further reports on how their forecast overspends will be brought back into line with existing budgets on a recurrent basis;
(iii) that approval be given to write off £0.237m of historic bad debts as shown at paragraph 6;
(v) that the budget virements set out at Appendix 1, be approved;
(iv) that the transfer of £8.5m to strategic reserves, be approved;
(vi) that the potential impact of the September monitoring position on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, as set out in paragraph 7 be noted; and
(vii) the updated Revenue Reserves position, as outlined in paragraph 8 of the report, and the intention to report a fully updated Reserves Strategy to Cabinet following the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement in late November.
139. Capital Programme Update - Quarter 2 Ending 30th September, 2015 (Cab.2.12.2015/9)
RESOLVED:
(i) that the financial performance of the Council’s Capital Programme during the quarter ending 30th September, 2015, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted;
(ii) that the 2015/16 and overall five year Capital Programme positions, as detailed in the report, be noted;
(iii) that approval be given to the 2015/16 scheme rephrasing totalling £1.276m and scheme slippage totalling -£0.370m (paragraphs 4.3. to 4.4. and Appendix B of the report refer);
(iv) that approval be given to the change in scheme costs in 2015/16 of -£1.038m (paragraph 4.5. and Appendix B refer) and to the adjustment to 2015/16 capital programme plans to reflect this change;
(v) that approval be given for the uncommitted resources currently identified of £0.850m (as set out in paragraph 4.7) to be retained corporately for consideration as part of the overall reserves strategy; and
3 Page 123
(vi) that it be noted that the Capital Programme ‘Oversight board’ will undertake a further detailed review of the programme to identify any further resources that can be released, for consideration within the reserves strategy.
140. Treasury Management Activity - Quarter 2 Ending 30th September, 2015 (Cab.2.12.2015/10)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that Treasury Management activities undertaken for the quarter ending 30th September, 2015 and compliance with the Prudential Indicators, as detailed in the report now submitted, be noted;
(ii) that the Authority’s Capital Programme Funding position, be noted;
(iii) that the performance of the Authority’s investments for the reported quarter be noted; and
(iv) that the changes in Credit Rating methodology, be noted.
141. Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) (Cab.2.12.2015/11)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that based on the synopsis of findings so far Cabinet agrees it would be prudent to enter into a statutory consultation with the community with regards to the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO);
(ii) that the proposed terms of the Order, described in section 5 of the report now submitted, be agreed as the basis for the consultation and are regarded as both proportionate and necessary;
(iii) that the proposed boundaries detailed in Appendix 3 be agreed as an appropriate area of coverage for any subsequent PSPO, based upon evidence and intelligence gathered during investigation; and
(iv) that the outcome of the PSPO consultation be reported back to Cabinet in due course whereby a decision to proceed or not be taken.
142. Racecommon Road, Barnsley - Objections to Introduction of No Waiting at Any Time Restrictions (Cab.2.12.2015/12)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the objections received to the proposal to introduce No Waiting at Any Time restrictions on sections of Racecommon Road, Barnsley, as detailed in the report now submitted, be overruled in view of the wider road safety considerations and the objectors be informed accordingly; and
4 Page 124
(ii) that the Head of Highways, Engineering and Transport and the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to make and implement the Traffic Regulation Order.
143. LGC Awards 2016
The Leader of the Council commented that the Council had been shortlisted in five categories in the LGC Awards for 2016.
RESOLVED that the position be noted and the efforts of staff in achieving the shortlists for these awards be acknowledged.
144. Exclusion of Public and Press
RESOLVED that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items, because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as described by the specific paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, as follows:-
Item Number Type of Information Likely to be Disclosed
145. Paragraph 3 146. Paragraph 3
145. Wentworth Castle Gardens and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust (Cab.2.12.2015/14)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that, having consideration and evaluated the options presented on the future standalone viability of the Wentworth Castle Gardens and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust, approval be given to proceed with option six, set out in the report now submitted (renegotiation of loan repayment) to enable the Trust to utilise the savings of a one year “payment holiday” on the 2015/16 local repayments to create a fund for the Trust to draw against, up to 31st March, 2017, based on a demonstration of need; and
(ii) that the conditions of this arrangement are that the Trust:
(a) Utilises the additional time available to explore partnerships, income generating opportunities and fundraising capacity with a realistic prospect of leading to financial sustainability.
(b) Ensures that the Board of Trustees focuses on the task outlined above and has sufficient expertise to do so taking steps to enhance its capacity and expertise as required.
(c) Does not undertake any activity that further weakens its financial position or put itself or the Council at increased risk.
5 Page 125
146. Market Trader Rent Review (Cab.2.12.2015/15)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to the implementation of option 2, set out in the report now submitted, as a way of supporting market traders during the Better Barnsley redevelopment;
(ii) that the intention to produce a three year marketing plan and to review current trader policies and procedures, be noted;
(iii) that the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services be authorised to re-let or amend trader lease rents for a term to be agreed during the Better Barnsley re development phase;
(iv) that the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to complete the leases to market traders;
(v) that approval be given to the rent level for a unit in the new temporary covered market; and
(vi) that the Executive Director of Place bring forward a separate report to review the current provision of Saturday car parking within the town centre.
……………………………. Chair
6 Page 126 Item 32 MEETING: Cabinet DATE: Wednesday, 16 December 2015 TIME: 10.00 am VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Andrews BEM (Chair), Bruff, Cheetham, Gardiner, Howard, Miller and Platts
Members in Attendance: Councillors Dures, Franklin, Griffin and Sheard
147. Declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
148. Leader - Call-in of Cabinet decisions
The Leader reported that no decisions from the previous meeting held on 2nd December, 2015 had been called in.
149. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 2nd December, 2015 (Cab.16.12.2015/3)
The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd December, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
150. Decisions of Cabinet Spokespersons (Cab.16.12.2015/4)
There were no Records of Decisions by Cabinet Spokespersons under delegated powers to report.
151. Petitions received under Standing Order 44 (Cab.16.12.2015/5)
It was reported that no petitions had been received under Standing Order 44.
Deputy Leader
152. Public Health Strategy (Cab.16.12.2015/6)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Public Health Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 to the report now submitted, which has been produced in consultation with key partners, be approved; and
(ii) that support be given to the Strategy and for Elected Members to work with Area Councils in promoting the Strategy.
1 Page 127
Corporate Services Spokesperson
153. Non-Domestic Rates Rural Rate Relief Scheme - Rural Settlement List (Cab.16.12.2015/7)
RESOLVED that the areas set out at paragraph 5.1 of the report now submitted and detailed in the plans attached, be agreed as the Rural Settlement List for 2016/17.
Corporate Services and Place Spokespersons
154. Housing Revenue Account 2015/16 Mid Year Review (Cab.16.12.2015/8)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the revised Housing Revenue Account 2015/16 estimates, as set out in the report now submitted, be approved;
(ii) that the reduction to the Berneslai Homes Management Fee of £1.344m be approved; and
(iii) that £0.4m of the projected 2015/16 underspend be carried forward to fund planned concrete works at the Sheffield Road Flats in 2016/17.
155. Housing Revenue Account - Draft Budget 2016/17 & Housing Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 (Cab.16.12.2015/9)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ON 4TH FEBRUARY, 2016:-
(i) that the Housing Revenue Account Draft Budget for 2016/17, as detailed in the report now submitted, be approved, with any final amendments/additions being delegated to the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place and the Executive Director for Place;
(ii) that the Service Charge Proposals for 2016/17, as set out at Appendix D and Sections 3.13 and 3.16, be approved;
(iii) that the 2016/17 Berneslai Homes Management Fee be approved with any final amendments/additions being delegated to the Service Director Culture, Housing and Regulation and the Executive Director Place in consultation with the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place;
(iv) that the use of Berneslai Homes Ltd retained surplus as outlined in Section 3.27 be approved;
(v) that the earmarking of Housing Revenue Account Working Balance as outlined in Sections 3.8 – 3.12 be approved;
(vi) that the Council Housing Capital Investment Programme for 2020-21 be approved;
2 Page 128
(vii) that a rent reduction in line with Government's rent policy be approved; and
(viii) that the Board of Berneslai Homes be authorised to vary any of the approved capital schemes subject to a maximum variation on existing budgets of £250,000, with variations above this amount carried out in agreement with the Executive Director Place and the Cabinet Spokesperson for Place.
156. Children's Commissioner Takeover Challenge (Cab.16.12.2015/10)
The People (Safeguarding) Spokesperson referred to the success of the Children's Commissioner's annual Takeover Challenge for young people in care and care leavers on 20th November, 2015 and that Barnsley had received a Silver Award from the Commissioner. Three young people from Barnsley had also been expert witnesses in the Minister's consultation on experiences of the Looked After system.
RESOLVED that the young people involved be congratulated on their success.
157. Carlton Community College (Cab.16.12.2015/11)
The People (Achieving Potential) Spokesperson reported on the recent Ofsted judgement of Carlton Community College as 'good'.
RESOLVED that the progress at Carlton Community College be welcomed.
158. Exclusion of Public and Press
RESOLVED that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items, because of the likely disclosure of exempt information as described by the specific paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended, as follows:-
Item Number Type of Information Likely to be Disclosed
159. Paragraph 3
Corporate Services Spokesperson
159. Sale of Land at the Former Darton Primary School, Station Road, Darton (Cab.16.12.2015/13)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services be authorised to exchange contracts on the sale of the surplus land at the former Darton Primary School site, as detailed in the report now submitted, to Jones Homes;
(ii) that the Service Director Assets be authorised to finalise the heads of terms and contract details for the proposed disposal; and
(iii) that the Director of Legal and Governance be authorised to complete the sale of the site, subject to the necessary planning consents being achieved.
3 Page 129
……………………………. Chair
4 Page 130 Item 33 MEETING: Cabinet DATE: Wednesday, 13 January 2016 TIME: 10.30 am VENUE: Reception Room, Barnsley Town Hall
MINUTES
Present Councillors Houghton CBE (Chair), Andrews BEM, Bruff, Cheetham, Franklin (for Gardiner), Howard, Miller and Platts
Members in Attendance: Councillors Cherryholme, Ennis, Griffin, Morgan and Sheard
160. Declaration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests
There were no declarations of pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests.
161. Leader - Call-in of Cabinet decisions
The Leader reported that no decisions from the previous meeting held on 16th December, 2015 had been called in.
162. Minutes of the previous meeting held on 16th December, 2015 (Cab.13.1.2016/3)
The minutes of the meeting held on 16th December, 2015 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.
163. Decisions of Cabinet Spokespersons (Cab.13.1.2016/4)
The Record of Decisions taken by Cabinet Spokespersons under delegated powers during the week ending 25th December, 2015 was noted.
164. Petitions received under Standing Order 44 (Cab.13.1.2016/5)
RESOLVED that the report notifying the receipt of the following petitions be noted and the recommended actions for responding to them be endorsed:-
(a) Containing 100 signatures, in respect of the request for the reversal of the decision to disestablish the School Patrol Officer for St Michaels and All Angels School, Stoneyford Road, Wombwell.
In April 2013 Cabinet approved a policy to review the future provision of the school crossing patrol service. In all cases when a position becomes vacant a criteria check is carried out to determine if the site meets the current national criteria. If a site falls below the criterial threshold then a replacement school crossing is not recruited. If a site meets the criteria then every effort will be made to recruit a replacement.
1 Page 131 The latest criteria check carried out on Stoneyfront Road in September 2015 showed that usage of the crossing was well below the minimum requirement and in accordance with the policy the post has been disestablished.
It is recommended that the Assistant Director, Operational Services write to the lead petitioner to advise of this situation and that in accordance with the policy it will not be possible to recruit into the post.
Leader 165. Abolition of Brierley Town Council - Future of Discretionary and Other Services (Cab.13.1.2016/6)
RESOLVED that the currently anticipated position in respect of the discretionary and other services provided by Brierley Town Council following its abolition, as set out in the report now submitted, be noted.
Deputy Leader 166. Future of the Barnsley Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) Programme (Cab.13.1.2016/7)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to the proposed decommissioning arrangements for the Family Nurse Partnership Programme in Barnsley, as detailed in the report now submitted; and
(ii) that it be noted that the continuity of support to the programme's client group will be addressed in the integrated service being developed under the auspices of the 0-19 Years Healthy Child Programme referred to at Minute 167 below.
167. Commissioning of 0-19 Years Healthy Child Programme (Cab.13.1.2016/8)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the outcome of the procurement exercise for the delivery of Barnsley's service model concerning the 0-19 Years Healthy Child Programme and the options considered, be noted;
(ii) that the development of a partnership arrangements with the South and West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Trust, noting the advice of the Director of Legal and Governance with regard to advice given by Counsel on the procurement approach and subject to the agreement of the SWYPFT Board; and
(iii) that the Director of Public Health be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Spokespersons for Public Health, for People and Communities, and in liaison with the Executive Director People and the Directors of Legal and Governance and Finance, Assets and Information Services, to approve arrangements with SWYPFT to secure the delivery of core service requirements, pending a further report to Cabinet on the development of the partnership.
Cabinet Spokesperson without Portfolio
2 Page 132 168. Council Nominations to the Berneslai Homes Board (Cab.13.1.2016/9)
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL ON 4TH FEBRUARY, 2016 that the nomination of Councillors Ennis and Makinson to the Berneslai Homes Board for a three year term be approved with immediate effect.
Corporate Services Spokesperson 169. Calculation of Council Tax Base 2016/17 (Cab.13.1.2016/10)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the report of the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services now submitted in respect of the calculation of the Council’s Tax Base for the year 2016/17 be approved;
(ii) that the Council Tax Base for the year 2016/17 shall be 60,229.145, such figure having been calculated in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012;
(iii) that, calculated in accordance with the above regulations, the Council Tax Base for the year 2016/17 in respect of each Parish is as follows (see Appendix A and C of the report now submitted).
Band D 95% of Band equivalent D equivalent Parish Area (by Area Code) chargeable chargeable properties properties Penistone 4,083.500 3,879.325 Billingley 98.700 93.765 Brierley 1,740.000 1,653.000 Great Houghton 655.700 622.915 Little Houghton 177.400 168.530 Shafton 953.000 905.350 High Hoyland 68.900 65.455 Hunshelf 166.200 157.890 Langsett 107.000 101.650 Cawthorne 617.000 586.150 Dunford 237.900 226.005 Gunthwaite and Ingbirchworth 285.400 271.130 Thurgoland 744.100 706.895 Tankersley 576.300 547.485 Wortley 286.900 272.555 Oxspring 458.400 435.480 Silkstone 1,198.800 1,138.860 Stainborough 164.200 155.990 Barnsley and other Non-Parish areas 50,779.700 48,240.715 Total 63,399.100 60,229.145
3 Page 133 170. 2016/17 Business Rates - Calculation of the Authority's Local Share (Cab.13.1.2016/11)
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the process for estimating the retained Business Rate Local Share for 2016/17, as set out in the report now submitted, be noted and the ‘local share’ for Barnsley of £26.997M, in line with the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) be approved; and
(ii) that the final submission be approved by the Director of Finance, Assets and Information Services.
171. Redesign of the Council's Debt Recovery Function (Cab.13.1.2016/12)
RESOLVED that approval be given to BMBC to develop the debt recovery function by adopting a more commercial approach to debt collection, as detailed in the report submitted, including:
Adopting a dynamic procurement framework which enables the simultaneous employment of multiple Enforcements Agents; Seeking County Court Judgements to recover trade debt Securing bankruptcy petitions to recover all debt types Obtaining charging orders to recover all debts types; and Committal to prison.
Communities Spokesperson 172. Planning Enforcement Policy (Cab.13.1.2016/13)
RESOLVED that the Planning Enforcement Policy be received and referred to the Planning Regulatory Board for consideration and recommendation to Full Council for approval, subject to clarification on the wording in the Policy regarding retrospective approval.
……………………………. Chair
4 Page 134
Declarations of Interest contained within the Minute Book
The following Members declared an interest in the minutes indicated:-
Councillor Minute No. Subject Interest
Planning Regulatory Board Cllr Riggs 32 Planning Application 2015/1074 – Erection of 2 no. Non-Pecuniary – Contact with the detached dwellings (outline) at land to the rear of 7 – applicant. Cllr Riggs left the 29 May Terrace, Barnsley meeting during the discussion and voting on this item
Overview and Scrutiny Committee Cllrs G. Carr, Tattersall and 21 Barnsley Provisional Educational Outcomes 2015 Non-Pecuniary – Members of the Page 135 Page Unsworth Corporate Parenting Panel and Virtual School Governance Group Cllr Frost 21 Barnsley Provisional Educational Outcomes 2015 Non-Pecuniary – Member of the NUT
Area Councils North East Area Council Agenda Annex Cllr Hayward 38 North East Area Council Priorities and Financial Non-Pecuniary – Chair of Barnsley Considerations Community Build. Cllr Hayward left the meeting during the discussion and voting on this item Penistone Area Council Cllr Hand-Davis 25 Minutes of the Penistone Area Council – 22nd October, Non-Pecuniary – Trustee of DIAL 2015 insofar as the discussion related to DIAL South Area Council Cllrs Franklin, Lamb and 32 Report on the Use of Devolved Ward Budgets and Ward Non-Pecuniary – Directors of Shepherd Alliance Funds Forge Community Partnership
Councillor Minute No. Subject Interest
Central Area Council Cllr G. Carr 28 Procurement and Financial Update insofar as the Non-Pecuniary – Trustee of DIAL discussion related to DIAL Barnsley and HomeStart Barnsley and HomeStart South South Yorkshire Yorkshire
Page 136 Page