Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence was received from Mr W Bleasdale, Mr J Hamezeian, Ms J Heath and Mrs T Macur.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for            profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

(a)       Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)       Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer. 

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)       The landlord is the authority; and

            (b)       The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial                                                         interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

(a)       That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the    area of the authority; and

(b)       Either –

(i)      The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one            hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

(ii)     If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A “disclosable pecuniary interest” is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).

There were no disclosures of interest made.

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 7 November 2012.

RESOLVED,       that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Committee received a presentation on the Welfare Reforms from Dawn Roberts, the Assistant Director – Policy and Performance.  The Government’s objectives were to create the right incentives to get more people into work; protect the most vulnerable in our society; and to deliver fairness to those claiming benefit and to the taxpayer.  The main changes were to the qualification criteria for working and child tax credit (which came into operation in April 2012); introduction of Universal Credit (6 existing benefits subsumed into 1, by October 2013); Contraction of housing benefit payments; Local welfare assistance (April 2013); localisation of Council Tax support; move from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment; capped 1% annual rise in benefit payments; monthly payments (were fortnightly); and Digital by Default (online benefit applications).

The key issues for Barrow were:

• one third of all households in Barrow has a limiting long-term illness or disability;
• Barrow has the highest proportion of those claiming Disability Living Allowance in the county;
• existing high proportions of:

• of those claimants already assessed for employment and support allowance/incapacity benefit, 42 % were deemed ‘fit for work’ in the area;
• a total of 3,290 children (aged 0-19 years) live in poverty;
• numbers of those claiming out-of-work benefits are higher in Barrow than any other district above national levels;
• engagement with the Discretionary Social Fund in Barrow is – per head of population – the second highest in Cumbria.

There had been 1,070 applications for crisis loans made by people in Barrow between April and September 2011, of which 810 were successful.  There were 410 Community Care Grant applications made, of which 180 were successful.  The government was scrapping both of those grants from 31 March 2013 and the onus would now be on the county council to signpost people to other third sector organisations such as Barrow Foodbank.

Members questioned the governments readiness for a move over to Universal Credits as it was such a short run-in.  Digital by Default would prove an obstacle to those people who did not have access to a computer or were not computer literate.  The move from fortnightly to monthly benefits payments would cause poverty and debt for people who were not used to budgeting on a monthly basis.  Changes to the housing benefit criteria, alongside the reduction in benefit if the householder was not occupying all of the bedrooms would also affect many people.  The Chair suggested that a working group (open to all members) be established as a matter of urgency, to consider in more detail the impact of the changes on the people of Barrow and how best to support them.  It was suggested that the borough council be invited along with other agencies and third sector partners.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   the presentation be received;

(2)   a working group be established comprising of Barrow County  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100a

The Committee received a presentation on the transition of Public Health to the County Council as of 1 April 2013 from Jane Mathieson, Consultant of Public Health, NHS Cumbria.  The health reforms would see the abolition of Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities and the creation of National Commissioning Boards, Clinical Commissioning Groups, Public Health in Local Authority and Public Health England.

27 full time equivalent Public health staff will TUPE across to the county council in April 2013, with a budget of £14.3m for 2013/14.  Before then, the public health team will be working in shadow form with county council staff.  The team would be responsible for helping the county council to deliver a range of existing public health functions.  There were 5 mandatory functions and for other public health functions, the county council will be able to deliver a flexible, local approach (of which there were 13) to the way improvements in the future are made.

The NHS, local councils and other organisations are coming together to help improve the health and wellbeing of people in Cumbria.  Working together in this way will make sure funding goes further and more people are supported to live healthier and happier lives.  They have identified four strategic areas for improvement:

•      Health inequalities

•      Children and young people

•      Mental health and wellbeing

•      Ageing population

The public health team is working closely with the Health and Wellbeing Board to develop and deliver strategic solutions to Cumbria’s big challenges.

RESOLVED,       that the presentation be received. 

[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 2012.

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 2012.  A member asked if the budget would be spent by the end of the financial year.  The Area Highways and Transport Manager confirmed that there would be a balanced budget at 31 March 2013.

RESOVED,         to

(1)   note the budget allocations for 2012/13 and the commitments recorded to date;

(2)   note the Highways Revenue budget is showing a projected underspend of £3,871 against budget;

(3)   note the Highways Capital budget is showing a projected underspend of £2,029 against budget.

[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 2012.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 30 November 2012.  The Area Support Manager referred to the unallocated balance of £9,917 and asked members if they would consider an application for £5,000 from Headlands to Headspace.  Members agreed to consider the application at the next meeting in March.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the budget allocations for 2012/13 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

(2)   note the unallocated resources of £115,493 in the Communities Revenue budget as at 30 November 2013;

(3)   note the unallocated resources of £7,114 in the Local Capital Schemes budgets as at 30 November 2012.

[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 a Schedule which outlined the position regarding vacant 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

                              Voluntary Aided

                              St Pius X Catholic Primary School       Mrs Sarah Richardson

                                                                                                52 Angle Meadow Lane

                                                                                                Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 4DF

                              Community School

                              Brisbane Park Infant School                  PC Paul Harris

109 Ainslie Street

Barrow-in-Furness

LA14 5BG

[Electoral Division: Hindpool]

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

This report provides background on the consultation currently being undertaken by the governing body of St James’ Junior School, Barrow on the proposed expansion to the school by increasing the capacity from 180 to 240.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which provided background on the consultation currently being undertaken by the governing body of St James’ Junior School, Barrow on the proposed expansion to the school by increasing the capacity from 180 to 240.  members were asked to consider the proposals and to make a formal response to the consultation.  Members were 100% supportive of the expansion and added that it was a great school which had recently received an outstanding Ofsted inspection.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the report;

(2)   note that if the Governing Body decide to publish notices then the Cabinet will consider feedback from the consultation, including any response made by the Local Committee, on 14 March 2013 before deciding on whether to implement the proposals.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group meeting held on 7 December 2012.

The Committee received the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group (CYPWG) meeting held on 7 December 2012 and considered the recommendations contained therein.  The Area Support Manager informed members that they had already agreed a contribution of £10,000 to Barrow Community Safety Partnership towards the work of the Domestic Violence Network at a previous meeting.  This meant that the unallocated balance was £10,008 and not £8 as stated in paragraph 6.3 of the report.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 7 December 2012;

(2)   decommit £988 from the Leisure Centre budget 2011/12 and the unallocated amount of £470 be reallocated to the 0-19 budget 2012/13;

(3)   allocate £2,500 to Askam Hip Hop and Modern Dance towards spotlights, music system, and costumes from the 0-19 budget;

(4)   allocate £2,600 to the Friends of Chapel Street Infants and Nursery towards staging for the school for after-school activities from the 0-19 budget.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report seeks to commit elements of the 2012/13 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 form the Chief Executive which sought to commit elements of the 2012/13 Local Revenue Scheme budget and included Members’ proposals that had been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

RESOLVED,       to agree a contribution of

(1)   £800 towards two desktop computers and screens for Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School for Newbarns ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(2)   £1,462 towards improvements on Rating Lane for Newbarns ward for the Highways Revenue Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(3)   £1,600 towards improvements at Barrow Celtic’s Ground at Newby Terrace for Parkside ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(4)   £800 towards a bus shelter on Millstone Avenue for Ormsgill ward for the Public Realm Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(5)   £2,601 towards equipment for Greengate Children’s Centre for Old Barrow ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(6)   £2,479 towards equipment for Bram Longstaffe Children’s Centre for Old Barrow ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(7)   £1,000 towards costumes for Instep School of Dance for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(8)   £250 towards cooking ingredients for Goose Green Community Watch for Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(9)   £500 towards insurance, spotlights music system and costumes for Askam Hip Hop and Dance for Dalton North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider are report  by the Corporate Director – Environment (copy enclosed).

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 12 December 2012.

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 2012.  Ms Hammond stated that she had been present at the meeting but she was not on those listed in attendance.  The Area Highways and Transport Manager informed members that he was awaiting a reply from the resident regarding the alternative location for a disabled parking bay at 58 Provincial Street.  He added that the virement of £4,500 from the Annual Review of Traffic Regulations budget to the Disabled Parking budget was needed if all the applications were successful.

The Chair referred to HASG Minute No. 10, page 94 which stated that the Academy site was on Park Avenue, when it was in fact on Park Drive.

Members discussed the consultation on the highways restructure and were concerned that jobs might be leaving the area.  They agreed that a meeting be organised for Tuesday 15 March at 3.00 pm, Nan Tait, Barrow to discuss it in more detail.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the minutes of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 12 December 2012;

(2)   add a further scheme for Newton Road, Dalton to the 2012/13 NPRN programme with an allocation of £17,000.  The funding to come from the current unallocated balances within the devolved highways capital budget;

(3)   approve the installation of Advisory Disabled Person’s Parking Bays, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, with the provision to proceed with the bay at 58 Provincial Street, if the alternative located is accepted by the applicant;

(4)   approve the virement of £4,500 form the Annual Review of Traffic Regulations budget to the Disabled Parking Bay budget;

(5)   a meeting to discuss the highways restructure be held on Tuesday 15 March at 3.00 pm in the Nan Tait, Barrow.

[Electoral Division: All]

To consider a report from the Corporate Director – Environment (copy enclosed).

The purpose of this report is to advise members of the work taking place to prepare the Travel Strategy and in particular the local priorities that have been provided by individual Local Members which, once agreed, will then inform the potential direction to be taken and provide a local focus for the Strategy.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Environment which advised members of the work taking place to prepare the Travel Strategy and in particular the local priorities that had been provided by individual Local Members which, once agreed, would then inform the potential direction to be taken and provide a local focus for the Strategy.  The Locality Transport Team Leader informed members that she would be meeting with Stagecoach to discuss possible routes to Furness College.  There was scope for further development of bus routes in the area.  An additional community bus for Barrow had been ordered and officers were looking at the impact of Barrow Borough Councils decision to cease funding the Dial-a-ride scheme.  Members had concerns that some areas were totally isolated, as the bus service ceased at 8.00 pm.  They welcomed the community transport developments and were keen for it to be a success.

RESOLVED,       that the Local Committee Travel Strategy priorities for the Barrow area be approved.

The Committee adjourned at 11.40 am for a 5 minute break and recommenced at 11.45 am.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report introduces the Local Area Committee Performance Scorecard for the first time.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which introduced the Local Area Committee Performance Scorecard for the first time.  The Area Support Manager suggested that the 3 priorities as raised in the Area Plan:- Economic Development; Education and Skills; and Health and Wellbeing be considered by members in working groups.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   members receive a quarterly performance report containing a scorecard on the ‘local activities and priorities’ set out in the Barrow Area Plan and a scorecard containing broader ‘quality of life’ measures for Barrow;

(2)   progress on delivering the priorities in the Barrow Area Plan be taken forward;

(3)   member sub-groups be tasked with reviewing the content of the local scorecard in paragraph 4.6 of the report and focus on Economic Development; Education and Skills; and Health and Wellbeing.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report provides information on the roll out of that investment in the Barrow Local Committee area.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which provided information on the roll out of investment in Community Development Centres in the Barrow Local Committee area.  The Strategic Policy Advisor introduced Sharon Gadsen, Centre Manager at Abbotsvale CDC who gave an update on services delivered since the review of CDCs.  The review brought the CDCs in Barrow closer together and they were now sharing best practice and learning experiences.  They had met to plan their delivery across the wider Barrow area and were working closely with other partners such as, Job Centre Plus; health, education and community professionals; Furness Enterprise. 

Abbotsvale and Walney CDCs had recently appointed a Development Worker who’s role was to increase the number of people using the CDCs, whilst ensuring they were offering different courses.  They were keen to devise a course for single parents that would particularly suit their needs.  Teaching resources were shared between the 4 centres and this was working well.  

Members believed the CDCs were a great help to the unemployed and were supportive of the new model adopted by the CDCs in Barrow.

RESOLVED,       that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report gives details of the community engagement activities undertaken by the Area Support Team.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which detailed the community engagement activity undertaken by the Area Support Team. 

Community Engagement

The Area Engagement Officer reported on a meeting with Tesco Extra, as there was issue with deliveries on Rayson Street which was leading to traffic backing up.  The Manager had given instructions to drivers not drive down Holker Street and that all deliveries should be made down the side of the building, with cages taken to the front.  This would be monitored to ensure deliveries were not holding up traffic flows.

The Area Engagement Officer commended Cumbria Highways for their help with the flooding issue at Goose Green.  A member was delighted to hear there was progress at long last and added that residents had also set up a flood group with the Environment Agency. 

Barrow Sports Council

The Area Engagement Officer reported that Barrow was above the national average on physical activity which was great.  Attendance at the outdoor school holiday programme had been badly hit by the weather but had helped increase the number of girls attending indoor activities such as dance mats and zumba classes.

Sports Equity

The long awaited disability trampoline club at DASH @ Dowdales was due to start at the end of January.  Some parents had asked that Jiu-Jitsu be added to the next half term programme.

Members thanked all the officers involved for their hard work.

RESOLVED,       to note the report and to continue to support officers in the delivery of the community engagement activities.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report gives details of the 2012/13 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which presented the 2012/13 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

RESOLVED,       to note the contend of the information contained within the report at Appendix 1.

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

None for this meeting.

RESOLVED,       that the Minutes of the Local Committee Chairs and Leadership meeting held on 28 November 2012 be noted.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 8 March 2012, Barrow Fire Station, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2NS.

RESOLVED,       The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 8 March 2013, Barrow Fire Station, Phoenix Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2NS.