To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr D Roberts, Mr D Marcus and Ms J Heath. 

To note the changes to the local committees terms of reference as agreed by Council on 17 November 2011 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,       that the Terms of Reference be noted.

To disclose any personal and prejudicial interests relating to any item on the agenda.

NB   The following is a summary of what constitutes a personal interest and a personal and prejudicial interest.  Please seek advice or refer to the Code of Conduct (paragraph 8) for full definitions.

Personal Interests

You have a personal interest if the issue being discussed in the meeting affects the well-being or finances of you, your family or your close associates more than most other people who live in the Electoral Division affected by the issue.

Personal interests are also things that relate to an interest you must register.

N.B. If the personal interest arises because of your membership of another public body, you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

A personal interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

If you have a personal interest in a matter you will also have a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your judgement of the public interest.  If you have a personal and prejudicial interest you must withdraw from the meeting room for that item, unless you are there to make representations and the public have the same opportunity to do so

NB You only have a prejudicial interest if the matter

• affects your financial position or that of your family, close associate, employer etc or it
• relates to a regulatory matter

A personal and prejudicial interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Advice on this can be sought from staff in Legal and Democratic Services.  Members are requested to seek advice, wherever possible, before the meeting starts.

During the course of the meeting, Mr R Guselli declared a personal interest in respectof  Agenda Item 15 Barrow Citizens Advice Bureau in relation to the references to housing as he was landlord for rented properties.

Also during the course of the meeting, Mrs A Burns declared a personal interest in Agenda Item No. 16 Vickerstown School due to being a Governor of the school.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

RESOLVED,       that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item of business.

There are no questions, petitions or deputations relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

There were no questions, petitions or deputations relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 30 November 2011.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2011 were submitted. 

On Minute 76, the Area Support Manager confirmed that she was attempting to progress the meeting with the Chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership and Barrow Borough Councillors in order to work together to lobby for grants but to date had not received a response.  She advised that she would progress this more vigorously.

RESOLVED,       that the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2011 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(1)   To receive a presentation from Iwan Lawton, Surface Water Management Officer on the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Internal Drainage Boards.

(2) To receive a presentation from Mark HastingsCounty Manager - Care Provision – Modernisation Lead, Adult and Local Services, on the progress of Social Care Modernisation in Barrow- In –Furness.

(1)       Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Internal Drainage Boards

The Committee received a presentation from Iwan Lawton, Surface Water Management Officer on the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Internal Drainage Boards. The presentation covered major changes in which Local Flood Risk Management and surface water management were being implemented and how the role of Local Authorities had been substantially increased.  Areas covered Included implications of the 2010, Sustainable Urban Drainage; Funding for new burdens under the Regulations and Flood and Water Management Act; the Surface Water Management Plan and Internal Drainage Boards.

The Chair thanked Mr Lawton for an informative and interesting presentation.

(2)       Social Care Modernisation in Barrow- In –Furness

Mark Hastings County Manager - Care Provision – Modernisation Lead, Adult and Local Services, gave a presentation on the progress of Social Care Modernisation in Barrow-In –Furness.   Mr Hastings advised that West Point House and George Basterfield House had closed 3 weeks ahead of schedule and expressed his thanks for the help of families, residents and staff in making this process run smoothly. All staff had now been re-deployed.

With regard to the new build,  Mr Hastings introduced representatives form GB Solutions who had been appointed to design and build the new 60 bed care home which would be located on the site currently occupied by the recently closed George Basterfield House on Risedale Road.

Mr Hastings and representatives from GB solutions gave an overview of the planned programme for the new build; communication and consultation strategies and design plans. Residents and family members wishes would play a key part in the design with the aim being a beautiful but functional and suitable building. Design detail would be crucial to ensure residents needs were met.  A workshop would be held that afternoon to which Members were invited to discuss design.  Member’s views would also be sought on names for the new home and areas of the gardens.

Members were pleased that work to date had been organised well and were confident that the new build would be one of the best homes in the Country.   They agreed that the use of local labour for the new build was crucial and it was suggested that residents or local schools could also be involved in putting forward names for the home. It was acknowledged that the closure of the existing homes had been very difficult  and asked for their thanks to be passed to staff for their excellent work during this period.  Thanks were also passed to Mr Hastings and GB Solutions for a comprehensive update.

RESOLVED,       that a letter of sincere thanks be sent on behalf of the Committee to all staff involved in the closure of the George Basterfield and the West Point residential homes, the letter to be drawn up by the County Manager - Care Provision – Modernisation Lead, Adult and Local Services and  Area Support Manager.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy enclosed).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 30 November 2011.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 30 November 2011. 

There was some concern expressed regarding the Winter Damage budget which showed a projected overspend position of £19,559 for the end of the financial year.  It was explained that it was difficult to accurately forecast costs of works required for winter damage repairs.  There would be a need to meet this overspend but as this was a County wide budget, that was currently showing an underspend,  this might not present a significant problem for the Committee. 

RESOLVED,       to

                              (1)       note the budget allocations for 2011/12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

                              (2)       note the Highways Revenue budget projected overspend of £4,001 against budget;

                              (3)       note the Highways Capital budget projected underspend of £5,539

                              (4)       vire £54,955 from the Hawthwaite Lane Drainage Scheme budget to the Minor Structural Maintenance budget in Highways Capital;

                              (5)       note the Winter Damage budget is currently projecting overspend of £.19,559.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy enclosed).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budgets as at 30 November 2011.

The Committee received a report form the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities budget as at 30 November 2011. 

With regard to the unallocated balance of £13,106. against the General Provision budget line, Members views were sought on the prospect of using funds to support an apprentice  scheme in Barrow. The cost for each apprentice would be 5k per annum but this would be matched by the Pathways programme and the employers, enabling more young people to be supported.  Members fully supported the idea subject to checks being made on whether the budget could be used for the purpose and whether this would fit with the County approach on apprentice schemes The Area Support Manager agreed to check on both these and, if appropriate would, bring a proposal back to members.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       the budget allocations for 2011/12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date be noted;

                           (2)       the unallocated resources in the Communities Revenue budgets of £136,071 be noted;

                           (3)       the balanced budget for the Local Member Capital Schemes be notedl

                           (4)       the ASM explore the matters raised in respect of the Committee funding an  apprentice scheme and report back to the Committee.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services (copy enclosed).

This report seeks approval of nominated County Council Governors of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

The Committee considered an amended Schedule to that circulated with the agenda  which advised of two nominations to vacancies for County Council Governor positions at County Council Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in the area.

RESOLVED,       that subject to their approval the following be appointed:-

                              School                                                  Representative

                              Yarlside Nursery and Primary             Mr John Squire

                                School                                                 8 Mulberry Way

                                                                                             Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                             LA13 ORH

                                                                                             and

                                                                                             Mr Martin Osborne

                                                                                             c/o Furness Building

                                                                                               Society

                                                                                             51 – 55 Duke Street

                                                                                             Barrow in Furness.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting of 16 December 2011.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which gave recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting held on 16 December 2011.  In approving the proposed expenditure the local communities of the Barrow Borough area will have access to a wider range of activities and increased opportunities.

Members were concerned a number of grants approved by the Committee had not yet been received by the applicants and noted that one group had been waiting 3 months to receive the  funds.  It was discussed how this process might be speeded up and a number of options were suggested by Members.  It was pointed out that fewer meetings of the Committee meant a longer delay for approval of grants. 

The Area Support Manager advised that there were various issues in relation to processing of grants that were already being considered and that she was continuing to liaise with colleagues from Legal to find a workable solution. The Committee would be kept updated on progress.

RESOLVED,   

                           (1)       that the minutes of the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting held on 16 December 2011 be approved ;

                           (2)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £2,500 to Vulcan-Brathay Crescent from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                           (3)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £1,500 to Cumbria CVS from all Neighbourhood Forum areas budgets;

                           (4)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £731 to Multiple Sclerosis Society Furness Branch;

                           (5)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £2,000 to Signal Film & Media;

                           (6)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £1,000 to Barrow & District Disability Association;

                           (7)       to defer a Neighbourhood Grant to Furness Youth Theatre;

                           (8)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £2,000 to Cumbria Cascades;

                           (9)       to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £500 to Unity in Music;

                           (10)     to approve a Neighbourhood Grant of £1,000 to Dalton Community Association.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group meeting of 9 December 2011.

The Committee received the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group (CYPWG) meeting held on 9 December 2011 and considered the recommendation contained therein. 

RESOLVED,    to

                           (1)       note the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 9 December 2011;

                           (2)       approve a grant of £5,500 from the 0-19 budget to Furness & South Lakes Looked After Children for recreation & outdoor activities;

                           (3)       approve a grant of £1,400 from the 0-19 budget toFurness School Sports for Top up swimming £1,400.00 and Recommend that the group apply to the South Lakeland Children & Young People’s Working Group for the remaining £350 for Ulverston Victoria High School;

                           (4)       approve a grant of £1,070.88 from the 0-19 budget toFurness Young Carers for the purchase of equipment and recommend that the group apply to the South Lakeland Children & Young People’s Working Group for the remaining £278;

                           (5)       make no grant to Ireleth & St Peter’s Primary School as classroom provision should be made from the school budget.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report seeks to commit elements of the 2011/12 Local Revenue Scheme budget and includes Members’ proposals that have been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee spending decisions.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which sought to commit elements of the 2011/12 Local Revenue Scheme budget and included Members’ proposals that had been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

RESOLVED,    to

                           (1)       agree a contribution of £2,000.00 for boxing club equipment  for Furness Catholic Boxing Club for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

                           (2)       agree a contribution of £4,045.68 for canopy and chairs for Hindpool Nursery for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

                           (3)       agree a contribution of £1,615 for CCTV, blinds and tables for Hindpool Annexe for Hindpool electoral division;

                           (4)       agree a contribution of £300 for a laptop for Jubilee House for Hindpool electoral division;

                           (5)       agree a contribution of £1,000 for the Rhino 2012 project for Dalton with Askam & Ireleth Festival Association for Dalton South electoral division;

                           (6)       agree a contribution of £2,837 for equipment for after-school activities for Roose Primary School for Roosecote electoral division;

                           (7)       agree a contribution of £700 for laptop and projector for Newbarns Children’s Centre for Newbarns electoral division;

                           (8)       agree a contribution of £500 for Easter Egg hunt for Barrow Wanderers FC for Newbarns electoral division;

                           (9)       agree a contribution of £1,000 for a mini-bus for South Cumbria Pupil Referral Unit for Newbarns electoral division;

                           (10)     agree a contribution of £190 for a grit bin for Infield Gardens residents for Newbarns electoral division.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Organisational Development (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting of 12 December 2011.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Environment which gave details of the discussion and recommendations of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group (HASG) for the Barrow area which met on 12 December 2011. 

The Chair commented that he was very pleased with the performance of the Better Highways team in Barrow.

RESOLVED,    to

                           (1)       note the minutes of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 12 December 2011;

                           (2)       endorse the recommendation of the HASG to approve the draft devolved highways capital programme for 2012/2013 as detailed in the Appendix to the minutes of the HASG, pending confirmation of the county wide budget allocations for the 2012/2013 financial year.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy to follow).

This report provides an update on the work of the Citizens Advice Bureau in the Barrow area.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive  which provided information for Local Committee on the delivery of the Money Advice Contract in the Barrow area.

Members were advised that debt levels in the Barrow area were increasing and loan shops becoming more regular features in the high street. Overall the situation was worsening and debt problems were spreading more widely.  Many people on low incomes were also likely to be affected due to changes in Government policy around housing benefits and job seekers allowance.  

(At this point in the meeting,  Mr R Guselli declared a personal interest in respect of the references to housing due to being a landlord for rented properties)

Members were very concerned at the inappropriately high  interest rates being applied by moneylenders impacting on the most vulnerable in society and felt that steps must now be taken by Central Government to address this issue and to set boundaries for rates being charged.   Members also had significant concerns around a reference in the report to some unlawful behaviour by bailiffs. Whilst this incident had been reported to the Borough Council, it was considered that  the references in the Money Advice Contract report should also be considered by the Barrow Borough Council’s Executive.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       the information report be received;

                           (2)       the Area Support Manager write to the Barrow Borough Council on behalf of the Committee to express the Committee’s concern regarding the unlawful behaviour of bailiffs in the area and requesting that the references in the Money Advice Contract report to the meeting be considered by the Borough Executive;

                           (3)       an item be included on the Leadership and Local Committee Chairs meeting to discuss the issue of inappropriately high  interest rates being applied by moneylenders impacting on the most vulnerable in society and to request an approach to Central Government to address the situation.

[Electoral Divisions – Walney North]

To consider a report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transportation (copy enclosed).

This report advises of the monitoring of traffic that has taken place following the opening of the new Vickerstown School.  It further advises on action taken in response to concerns over traffic behaviour on Back Latona Street.

(Mrs A Burns declared a personal interest at this point in the meeting being a Governor of Vickerstown School).

A report by the Assistant Director – Highways and Transport was submitted which advised Members of the monitoring of traffic that had taken place following the opening of the new Vickerstown School. It further advised on action taken in response to concerns over traffic behaviour on Back Latona Street.

The situation regarding the continued use of Back Latona street by parents dropping off and picking up pupils was discussed.  Due to the safety issues and potential for accidents with the increased use of the back street, works had been ordered to introduce a road marking and signing scheme. The scheme drew attention to the fact that school children used the area and showed an indicative footway along Back Latona Street. A number of members were concerned at the situation and queried whether the proposals were sufficient to avoid accidents.  It was suggested whether other solutions should be considered such as bollards that would be in place for specific periods and whether stronger action could be taken by the Police to prevent drop off/pick up.

The Committee were advised that Officers would continue to look for a safe workable solution to the problem and asked that the matter also be considered by the Highways and Transport Working  Group.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       Members note the monitoring that has taken place and the actions that have been carried out in response to concerns regarding the vehicular use of Back Latona Street;

                           (2)       potential solutions for the problems at Back Latona Street be considered at the Committee’s Highways and Transport Working Group.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report is the September-November 2011 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which presented the October/November Monitoring Report for Barrow Local Committee.

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)       the content of the information contained within the report at Appendix 1.be noted;

                           (2)       any outstanding issues in the report be picked up and feedback be provided on these in the next monitoring report. 

To enable local members to give verbal reports on and share information in respect of outside bodies to which they have been appointed.

Mrs Macur advised that the Youth Councillors in Barrow had asked to be involved in the  Youth Councils for Ulverston.  Members suggested that if this occurred, the title of the youth Council would need to be changed. 

Mr Worth advised that a voluntary organisation in Walney was experiencing financial difficulties regarding the funding of their development worker, with a budget shortfall of £5,000. The ASM  advised that the organisation had already received £6,000 from Local Committee this financial year but that she would look into it and report back to the  Committee.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 9 March 2012, Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG.

RESOLVED,    that the next meeting would take place on Friday 9 March 2012, Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG.