Agenda and minutes

To note the changes to the Local Committees Terms of Reference as agreed by Council on 19 January 2012 (copy enclosed).

The Committee was asked to note the changes to the Local Committees Terms of Reference which had been agreed by Council on 19 January 2012.

RESOLVED,       that the Terms of Reference be noted.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J. Hamezian and Mrs T Macur.

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.

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.

Mrs Julie Atkinson asked the Committee to consider the impact of changes to funding regarding the purchase of specialist dementia services that had been provided by the Alzheimers society operating in Cumbria. She believed that spot (as opposed to block) purchase of services could not deliver dependable, specialist care and quality to particularly vulnerable members of the community. The decision had resulted in a very successful service provider having to withdraw some day services and she was concerned that alternative service providers did not totally understand the needs of dementia sufferers and their carers.

The Chairman of the Committee thanked Mrs Atkinson for her question and gave her a written response which had been prepared by the Corporate Director - Adult Services.  As the response was long and detailed he suggested that Mrs Atkinson be given time to consider the response, and to arrange a further meeting with members and officers to discuss the matter further as appropriate.

RESOLVED,             that the situation be noted and copies of correspondence be circulated to all members of the Committee.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 January 2012.

With regard to Minute no. 80 Disclosures of Interest Mrs A. Burns stated that her interest related to the fact that she had relatives attending Vickerstown school and not that she was a Governor.

RESOLVED,       that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Mrs A Burns entered the meeting at 10.25 am.

i)        Improving Residential Care In Barrow-In-Furness – To receive a presentation from Mark Hastings, County Manager – Care Provision/Modernisation Lead, Adult and Local Services on the progress of Social Care Modernisation in Barrow-in-Furness. 

ii)      Furness Learning Transition Project (FLTP) – to receive an update from Caroline Vernon on the school transition project for children moving from primary to secondary schools in the Barrow area.

(1)   Improving Residential Care in Barrow

The Committee received a presentation from the Programme Board responsible for the provision of new 60 bed care home in Barrow. Members were shown the design proposals which were to be submitted as a planning application before 23 March 2012.  The criteria for the design was to ensure maximum independent living for the residents according to the Stirling University Gold Standard.  The design maximised access to outside space and would provide a homely and domestic atmosphere. Stakeholders had been actively involved in the design, and work was now underway to identify local suppliers to work on the construction of the site.

The ground floor of the design comprised 36 bedrooms in three 12 bedroom houses. Each bedroom had its own door opening directly onto large gardens. At the heart of the home it was planned to have a café area and facilities such as a hairdresser, treatment rooms and laundromat. On the first floor there was space for a further two 12 bedroom houses and a day care area for 20 residents. It was not possible for the first floor bedrooms to have direct access to the gardens, but they would be able to access a large garden terrace. Every effort was being made to ensure that the design and facilities would maximise independent living in a safe homely environment.

The Chairman thanked all members of the Programme Board present for taking the time to apprise members of progress on the development. The provision of a brand new care home in Barrow represented a significant improvement in care services for older people and members were impressed both with the design and the management of the project.

RESOLVED,       that the current position be noted.

Mr M Worth entered the meeting at 10.35 am.

The meeting was adjourned at 10.40 am to allow members to have a look at the scale model of the new residential home on Risedale Road.  The meeting reconvened at 10.45 am.

(2)   Furness Learning Transition

Caroline Vernon, Learning Transition Project Director updated members on the work undertaken by the project since receiving funding from the Committee. The funding had been used to support the costs of a part time co-ordinator to build more cohesive working between education and business with a focus on key stages two and three. She updated the Committee on work undertaken and events which had been held. She explained that it was an innovative approach to get educational professionals and business to work together, develop the curriculum and opportunities to enable young people to be  compete effectively and raise ambition. Members were impressed at the work which was being undertaken and hoped that improvements could be tracked with qualitative and quantitative data so that improvements could be measured.

RESOLVED,       that  progress to date be noted.

[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 31 January 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 31 January 2012.

RESOLVED,       that

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

(2)   the Highways Revenue budget projected underspend of £63,689 against budget be noted;

(3)   the highways capital budget projected underspend of £8,074 against budget be noted; and

(4)   the Winter Damage Budget projected overspend of £29,572 against budget be noted.

[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 31 January 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 31 January 2012.

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 £110,283 be noted; and

(3)   the balanced budget for Local member Capital Schemes be noted.

[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

                        Dane Ghyll Community Primary School     Mrs Karen Taylor

                                                                                                27 The Crescent

                                                                                                Barrow in Furness

                                                                                                Cumbria

                                                                                                LA13 9BA

                        Newbarns Primary School                           Mrs Sue Tippins

                                                                                                44 Park Drive

                                                                                                Barrow in Furness

                                                                                                Cumbria

                                                                                                LA13 9BA

[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 held on 10 February 2012.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which gave recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee form the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting held on 10 February 2012.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   the minutes of the Neighbourhood Grants Panel meeting held on 10 February  2012 be approved;

(2)   a neighbourhood Grant of £2,149 to Dalton junior Youth Group from all Neighbourhood forum area budgets be approved; and

(3)   a Neighbourhood Grant of £500 to Furness Youth theatre from all Neighbourhood Forum area budgets be approved.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report proposes an option to enhance the council’s existing Youth Pathways Apprenticeship Programme for the Barrow area to enable more young people to gain valued experience, develop specific skills and an opportunity to become work-ready, following a request from County Council Local Committee   

Following a request from members, the Committee considered a proposal to enhance the Council’s existing Youth Pathways Apprenticeship Programme for the Barrow area to enable more young people to gain valuable experience, develop specific skills and become ready for work. The Committee expressed concern that young people from Barrow would have to commute to Kendal College as part of the scheme. Members felt that it would be preferable for the young people to attend Furness College, and questioned whether this would be possible.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   approval be given, in principle the Youth Pathways Apprenticeship programme be enhanced by contributing £13,106 from the General provisions fund to create further employment opportunities within the Barrow area, subject to members being satisfied that young people from Barrow are adequately supported; and

(2)   an update report be submitted to the next Children and Young People’s Working Party meeting to address concerns raised by the Committee.   

[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 held on 10 February 2012.

The Committee received the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group (CYPWG) meeting held on 10 February 2012 and considered the recommendations contained therein.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 10 February 2012 be approved;

(2)   an amount £500 from the 0-19 Grants fund to the Dalton Junior Youth group in support of activities and training be approved;

(3)   an amount of £564 from the 0-19 Grants fund to Ramsden Infants After school Club towards stat up equipment be approved;

(4)   an amount of £5,346 from the 0-19 fund to Barrow AFC Ltd in support of the Healthy Schools project be approved; and

(5)   an amount of £5346 from the 0-19 fund to Barrow AFC Ltd in support of kick It (Racism) out Project be approved.

[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 form 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,       that

(1)   a contribution of £563 for after–school equipment for Ramsden Street infants for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme be approved;

(2)   a contribution of £820 for scooter and cycle racks for Brisbane park infant School Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme be approved:

(3)   a contribution of £1,656 for chairs for Hindpool Nursery School for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme be approved;

(4)   a contribution of £1,000 for kitchen white goods for Furness Homeless Support Group for Hindpool ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme be approved;

(5)   a contribution of £1,000 for new shower system for Dalton United Football Club for Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved

(6)   a contribution of £956 for new pedestrian gate for Dalton ARLFC for Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(7)   a contribution of £456 for equipment for Jack & Jill Playgroup for Dalton South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(8)   a contribution of £1,000 for extra-curricular activities for South Walney Infant School for Walney South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(9)   a contribution of £905 for new door for Ocean Wave Community Centre for Walney South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(10)    a contribution of £2,268 for new seating for King Alfred Bowling Club for Walney South ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(11)    a contribution of £10,454 for new toilet facilities for Salthouse Bowling Club for Risedale ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(12)    a contribution of £2,300 for new toilet facilities for Barrow Island Bowling Club for Old Barrow ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(13)    a total of £2,658 from the following completed member capital schemes for the Roosecote ward; £311 from the Roose Community Centre entrance scheme, £847 from the Provide 3 benches in Leece Lane, Roa Island and Rampside scheme and £1500 from the Dropped kerb for disabled resident scheme be decommitted;

(14)    a contribution of £3,538.00 (£2,658 capital, £800  revenue) for new clubhouse windows for Roose Pioneers for Roosecote ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved;

(15)    a contribution of £2,000 from the 2009/10 members capital scheme carry forward for the Ormsgill ward, be decommitted; and

(16)    a contribution of £2,000 for new bus shelter be de-committed from Revenue and committed to Capital for Ormsgill ward for the Highways Infrastructure Revenue Programme, be approved.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider are 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 held on 14 February 2012.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Organisational Development which gave details of the discussion and recommendations of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group (HASG) for the Barrow area which met on 14 February 2012.

Members raised several issues including concerns regarding Marsh Street steps which were the responsibility of Network Rail, but were badly maintained and poorly lit. This made the steps dangerous from a health and safety and a community safety point of view. It was suggested that the matter be referred to the Scrutiny Committee for Community Safety in an attempt to get all agencies together to resolve the issue.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   the minutes of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 14 February  2012 be noted;

(2)   the decision of HASG to adopt the proposed draft scheme to improve the entrance to Vickerstown School on Latona Street, be approved subject to detailed design of the improvements, provision of budget estimates and the results of an initial consultation exercise; and

(3)   the decision of HASG to approve the draft highways Revenue Budget as set out in Appendix 1 to the HASG minutes be endorsed subject to confirmation of the Council budget by full Council.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To receive a report from the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

To  provide an update on the development of the Area Plan for Barrow.  The draft plan is shared to provide a flavour of what will be included and how it is taking shape.  Local Committee are asked to provide their views and comments at this stage of development to ensure the Area Plan is developed as expected. 

Consideration was given to an update report on the development of the Area Plan for Barrow. The Committee was asked to provide their comments and views on the draft plan at an early stage of its development to ensure full engagement in helping to shape services and places within the Barrow area.

RESOLVED,       that

(1)   progress on the area planning approach to date and the development of the Area Plan for Barrow be noted; and

(2)   the Area Plan for Barrow in its draft form be approved subject to the inclusion of the comments stated above.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To receive a report from the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

To update the Committee on progress made and plans being implemented for developing Credit Union coverage for Barrow & District. This utilises the Local Committee ring-fenced ‘debt management budget’

The Committee considered a report on progress made and plans being implemented for developing Credit Union coverage for Barrow and district, utilising the Local Committee ring-fenced  ‘debt management budget’. Securing credit union status by the end of August 2012 would be the culmination of 23 months hard work by a group of dedicated, committed and skilled group of volunteers. The Policy and Planning Officer introduced Gordon Henry, Cumbria Credit Union Development Co-ordinator and 2 shadow board members; Kath Wise and Peter Fay to update the Committee and answer questions.

The Chairman commended all the hard work undertaken and congratulated all those involved for their hard work in setting up the Credit Union.

RESOLVED,       that the achievements and progress made from investing the allocated DRAM/Credit Union development budget for 2011 -12, be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Adult and Local Services (copy enclosed).

This report sets out the progress to date in refreshing the enhanced Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for Cumbria. The Barrow District Statistical Summary is attached for information. This is one of six locality summaries which will form part of a suite of documents that which will be included in the JSNA. There will also be a county summary and strategic overview with case studies in the final document. The target date for the completion of the JSNA work is 27^th April 2012. A final report will provided at the first meeting of the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board in April.

The Committee received a report setting out progress to date in refreshing the enhanced Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) for Cumbria. The County Health and Wellbeing Manager reported that this was one of the six locality summaries which would form  a suite of documents which would be included in the JSNA. The information contained within the JSNA would underpin the preparation of the Joint Health and wellbeing Strategy and inform health and social commissioning plans from 2013/14 onwards, and take into account the needs of particularly disadvantaged and hard to reach groups of people.

The Committee hoped that the compilation of the JSNA would ensure that the residents of Barrow received a significant share of the funding required to address the health and social inequalities faced in the Borough.

 RESOLVED,      that progress to date, and the timetable for completion of the fundamental needs assessment be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To receive a report from the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

This report gives details of the work programme being undertaken by the Rural Projects Officer.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which gave details of the work programme being undertaken by the Rural Projects Officer.

RESOLVED,       that the report be noted.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report details the activity for community engagement undertaken to date for the second and third quarters for the year 2011/12 and details Community Development activity to date.

Consideration was given to activity for community engagement for the second and third quarters of 2011/12. The Area Engagement Officer gave a detailed update on the school holiday activities which had been provided as part of the Sports Equity Project, including very positive feedback form parents and carers.

RESOLVED,       that the report be noted.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report is the December 2011 - January 2012 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which presented the December 2011/ January 2012 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

RESOLVED,       to note the content 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.

No reports were received.

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 11 May 2012, The Nan Tait Centre, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG.

RESOLVED,       that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 11 May 2012, The Nan Tait Centre, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1LG.