Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Mr B Berry, Mr W Clark, Mr P McSweeney, Mr L Hallatsch, Mr J Brook, Mrs J Willis and Ms J Filmore.

Statement – from Arnside Parish Council regarding cyclists

Mr Clive Christenson attended to present a statement on behalf of Arnside Parish Council.

Statement – Arnside Parish Councillors have been advised by residents that on numerous occasions over the last two years, cyclists have been recklessly speeding along Silverdale Road and the Promenade.  (There is anecdotal evidence that such speeds are recorded in unofficial time trials and promoted via social media – see Strava website).  The number of cyclists passing through Arnside has dramatically increased over recent years (significantly due to the advertised coastal route, of which Arnside had no input prior to its inauguration).  Whilst not anti-cycling per se, Arnside Parish Council do wish to see a measured response to residents’ concerns.

Speeds well in excess of 20 mph have been noted (overtaking of cars travelling less than this) and giving rise to an obvious hazard to motor vehicles and pedestrians.  Arnside has an ageing demographic, and many residents cannot react quickly to an oncoming bicycle which they may not see or hear clearly.

The stretch of Silverdale Road from the cemetery to the Albion is particularly hazardous due to the meandering nature of the road and lack of pedestrian pavements.  Speeding downhill, cyclists need to navigate a sharp turn on to the Promenade which is crowded in the summer with many tourists wandering in the road. 

Arnside Parish Council has facilitated the raising of a petition to gauge the extent of the problem and subsequently bring it to the attention of Cumbria County Council Highways division as a major concern.  

Parish Councillors are not experts in road safety improvements but suggestions such as the installation of “sleeping policemen” or cobble strips (which have been seen to work elsewhere) have been proposed.   Arnside Parish Council ask that CCC review the road safety arrangements as a priority before another serious accident occurs.

Yours sincerely

Peter Smillie

Chairman to Arnside Parish Council

The Local Member for Kent Estuary provided the following statement which was read out by the Area Manager in his absence

Please accept my apologies for not being here in person, I am chairing a meeting at South Lakeland District Council. Thank you for agreeing to read out my speech in support of the petition that has been presented today by representatives of Arnside Parish Council. Arnside is in the Kent Estuary division that I represent.

Since the national cycling route 700 was introduced, there has been a significant increase in the number of cyclists travelling through the village of Arnside. Most cyclists behave responsibly and respect the local community. Unfortunately, there is a small minority who do not behave responsibly and can pose a danger to other users of the highways and footways. The main areas of concern are Silverdale Road and The Promenade. On both these stretches of road there are many places where there are no footways, and therefore pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles are having to use the same space on the highway.

Silverdale Road is a particular problem because the road drops from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

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

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 at the meeting

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 30 September (copy enclosed).

Correction:

Page 8, Minute 39, final paragraph.

Replace “The Local Member for Lower Kentdale and the Local Member for Kent Estuary raised concerns on the raising water levels on the Mosses causing Ash tree die-back”

with “The Local Member for Lower Kentdale commented on ash dieback and its devastating consequences and queried if funds were available to help.  The Chair queried if the trees in question were near the Highways Network.  The Area Manager would contact the Senior Manager – Environment and Regulatory Services for information.  

The Local Member for Lower Kentdale and the Local Member for Kent Estuary raised concerns on the rising water levels and flooding on the Mosses.”

RESOLVED that,     subject to the correction above, the minutes of the meeting held on 30 September be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive a presentation from the Executive Director – People (copy enclosed).

Members received a presentation from the Executive Director – People regarding Children’s Services.  The presentation included:

·         Responsibilities of Children & Young People Service

·         Open cases in South Lakeland

·         Trends in South Lakeland

·         Developments

The Local Member for Lower Kentdale commented that he had recently undertaken Safeguarding Training with the Church of England and asked what contact Cumbria County Council had with other organisations.

The Senior Manager - Barrow and South Lakeland noted that all teams were fully multi-agency and not just statutory agencies but 3^rd sector and voluntary agencies as well.

The Local Member for Upper Kent remarked that the most recent statistics were from March 2022 and queried why this was.

The Senior Manager - Barrow and South Lakeland noted that due to Local Government Reorganisation pressures these were the most up to date figures available.  He would pass this comment on to the team.

The Local Member for Upper Kent commented on the Complex Safeguarding Team and if Police apprehend a child from out of county whose responsibility  are they.

The Senior Manager - Barrow and South Lakeland noted that it depends on different factors.  If a child has been placed here it is the responsibility of the placing authority.

The Local Member for Upper Kent commented on Domestic Abuse and do Adult Social Care involve Children’s Social Care and vice versa on cases of Domestic Abuse.

The Senior Manager - Barrow and South Lakeland noted yes.  Cumbria County Council look at the whole family and work with 3^rd Sector, Community Groups and Probation Services and if any services come into contact with Domestic Abuse they would contact Cumbria County Council.

The Local Member for Ulverston East commented on the Complex Safeguarding Team and queried if staff were retrained for these roles or was external recruitment on-going.

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

To consider a report by the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services (copy enclosed).

This report provides information and offers recommendations to the Local Committee for approval from meetings of the Strategic Planning Working Group and the Children and Young Peoples Working Group. It also updates the Local Committee on previously agreed activity supported with the latest financial statement.

A report was considered from the Assistant Director - Customer and Community Services regarding Area Planning in South Lakeland. The report provided service information and offered recommendations to South Lakeland Local Committee for approval from the meetings of the following working groups: Strategic Planning Working Group held on 1 November 2022 and the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 31 October 2022. The report also provided Local Committee with an update on activity against agreed priorities and provided an overview of the current budget position.

The Area Manager presented the report. She drew members’ attention to the current list of Environment Fund and Contain Outbreak Management Fund schemes as outlined in Appendix C of the report, the request to upgrade the Horncop Lane / Sparrowmire Lane Footpath at a cost of £13K, from the Environment Fund and to the work of the South Lakeland Area Team.

The Local Member for Ulverston East noted the recommendation to fund a Community Outreach Advisor as outlined in recommendation 5 and commented would 2 part time posts be better than 1 full time post and how many people would be helped from this role.

The Area Manager remarked that recruitment was a challenge and the intention was to be flexible so that either 1 full time or 2 part time posts could be considered.  She was unable to provide the specific number of people who would be helped but at the Food Forum the co-ordinators of the individual Food Hubs across the area, have raised the need for a  Citizens Advice Advisor to be present as more people are becoming more open about their wider financial problems.

The Local Member for Kendal Castle noted that whilst in agreement with the proposals he was concerned about the ongoing funding for the Community Outreach Advisor and also what signposting was in place.

The Area Manager accepted the issues the Local member had raised and advised  that when grant bids are put forward sustainability is always considered, however this was a direct and immediate response to the cost of living crisis.  She commented that there was a need for this role as some residents are unable or reluctant to travel to Kendal to access the service or in some cases are nervous to pick up the phone. 

The Local Member for Grange agreed with the proposals and asked for clarification on the unallocated funds that would be left.

The Area Manager noted that the figure would be in the region of £50,000 - £60,000.

The Local Member for Upper Kent commented on the Windermere Ferry Advisory Group minutes and during the round table discussion it was confirmed that the next ferry would be electric and the payment app was going ahead.

The Chair presented the recommendations to the Local Committee. These were agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED that,

1          Members noted the budget update for 2022-23 including the commitments and expenditure to date, Appendix A of the report.

2          Members noted the work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

This report provides details of the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital and Non-Devolved Capital Budgets.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the 2022/23 Highways Devolved Revenue and Capital Update Report.  The report presented the Highways Devolved Revenue and Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital Budget finance reports and updated members as to current progress on those budget lines as detailed in the appendices attached to the report.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland presented the report and drew out the key messages for members. This included the projected overspend.  He also noted that the projected overspend on the Highways Devolved Capital allocation has been reduced from £218,842 to under £70,000.

The Chair noted the figures and asked if the intention was to have no underspend or overspend as at 31 March 2023.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland commented that the intention was to work to have no overspend or underspend as at 31 March 2023.  He noted that in previous years the Devolved Capital Budget Allocations for the following financial year would have been presented in this meeting, however there was a concern that it was not correct for Cumbria County Council members to commit expenditure for the new authorities.  The Local Area Network Manager read out a statement from the Director of Economy and Infrastructure “Currently our teams are working on the draft highways programme for 2023/24, subject to the approval of capital and revenue funds in the new financial year. Please be assured that we will continue to work to ensure a seamless transition of delivery for the highways programmes in 2023/24.”

The Local Member for Grange commented on the impact that this would have on the gritting schedule.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland noted that winter maintenance is held at Cabinet level and would continue as normal.

The Local Member for Lower Kentdale  asked for clarification on the reasons for the overspend.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland explained that there were various factors that included construction inflation, and extra work to be done.

The Chair remarked about bridge repair work following accident damage and the unexpected nature of this and how this work was funded.

The Local Area Network Manager South Lakeland commented that the system was the same as with any asset  that was damaged by a third party.  If the person responsible can be located then they will be billed, if not then the repair needs to be funded from other budget lines.

Dr Jarvis noted that any expenditure under £2 million can bind the new authority.  It is important that it was business as usual on 1 April and that work was planned to take place.

The Local Member for Kendal Strickland and Fell commented that plans were in place.  The on-going debate is what devolution would take place to Locality Boards.  He wanted to reassure members that it was business as usual and asked officers to maximise efficiency of the service by enhancing what members are involved in and the information that was available to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

[Electoral Divisions: Upper Kent]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report sets out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the County of Cumbria (Various Roads in the District of South Lakeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Speed Limits) (Order 2018) Variation Order (No.10) (Staveley) 20>< be brought into operation as advertised.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Staveley Speed Limit Traffic Regulation Order. The report set out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order and sought a resolution on the proposed introduction of the Order.

The Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland presented the report. Members were guided through the background to the Traffic Regulation Order.

The Local Member for Upper Kent commented that this had arisen from the community plan and would have preferred that the scheme had been extended but fully understood that would involve engineering work and hoped the new authority would consider the extended scheme.

RESOLVED that,     Having taken into account the objections and representations which were received during the statutory consultation and advertisement, and having also taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of this Report, that the County of Cumbria (Various Roads in the District of South Lakeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Speed Limits) (Order 2018) Variation Order (No.10) (Staveley) 20>< be brought into operation as advertised.

[Electoral Divisions: Upper Kent]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report presents the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the County of Cumbria (Various Roads in the District of South Lakeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations (Order 2002) Variation Order (Staveley) (No.2) 20>< be brought into operation as advertised SAVE FOR the following amendments set out in paragraph 3.1.1

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Staveley Parking Restrictions Traffic Regulation Order. The report set out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order and sought a resolution on the proposed introduction of the Order.

The Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland presented the report. Members were guided through the background to the Traffic Regulation Order.

The Local Member for Kendal Highgate commented that the scheme was a good scheme but expressed a preference for zones to be included rather than named properties.

 The Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland noted that it was important not to oversubscribe resident’s parking permits in the area and any address that had off street parking would not be included.

The Local Member for Upper Kent noted this work was from the Community Plan and changes had been made after valid objections.

RESOLVED that,     Having taken into account the objections and representations which were received during the statutory consultation and advertisement, and having also taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of this Report, that The County of Cumbria (Various Roads in the District of South Lakeland) (Consolidation and Provision of Traffic Regulations (Order 2002) Variation Order (Staveley) (No.2) 20>< be brought into operation as advertised SAVE FOR the following amendments set out in paragraph 3.1.1

The following be added to the Zone A Staveley Permits so that residents of Nos. 2-5 The Green (inclusive), Nos. 1-6 Silver Street (inclusive) and No. 2 School Lane are eligible to apply for an exemption permit.

[Electoral Divisions: Ulverston West]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure (copy enclosed).

This report presents the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the County of Cumbria (Various Roads, South Lakeland) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2002) (Ulverston - No.9) Variation Order 20>< (“the Order”) be brought into operation as advertised.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Church Walk, Ulverston Traffic Regulation Order. The report set out the responses to the statutory consultation and advertising of the Order and sought a resolution on the proposed introduction of the Order.

The Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland presented the report. Members were guided through the background to the Traffic Regulation Order.

The Local Member for Ulverston East thanked the Traffic Management Team Leader - South Lakeland and her team for all their hard work.

RESOLVED that,     Having taken into account the objections and representations which were received during the statutory consultation and advertisement, and having also taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of this Report, that The County of Cumbria (Various Roads, South Lakeland) (Consolidation of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2002) (Ulverston - No.9) Variation Order 20>< (“the Order”) be brought into operation as advertised.

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

To consider a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which provided an update on the enforcement of on street and selected off street parking in the South Lakeland Local Committee area together with the Parking Services Annual Report 2021/22.

The Local Member for Lower Kentdale noted the report and asked if operations were back to pre-Covid levels.

The Parking Manager noted operations were back to full capacity.  A recruitment drive had taken place during the pandemic.  Parking Services would be on budget and in the new financial year.

The Local Member for Kendal Strickland and Fell assured members that income targets were not set to make budgets balance.

Dr Jarvis commented on abuse of the Blue Badge system and did Parking Services inform the Police when they encounter this.

The Parking Manager noted that the Blue Badge was a national scheme and noted that it was a criminal offence with a maximum fine of £1,000 and that he had not been involved in a prosecution.  He commented that the system required dramatic overhaul and that there were opportunities going forward.

The Local Member for Kendal Nether made a suggestion that if a resident had not renewed their parking permit on the first occasion and in a matter of days not months could a reminder be placed upon their windscreen rather than a fine.

The Parking Manager commented that it was possible and it was important that the scheme was administered with consent.  He outlined that the District Councils had local centres where the public could come in and that following Local Government Reorganisation there was room for improvement.

 The Local Member for Kendal Strickland and Fell noted that he had spoken with the Digital Team regarding reminders.

The Parking Manager commented that the permit scheme is free to the user but represents a cost for Cumbria County Council and any reminder scheme would have financial impacts.

The Chair thanked the Parking Manager and his team.

[Electoral Divisions: All South Lakeland]

To consider a report by the Assistant Director - Customer and Community Services

This report details the Public Health Activity undertaken by the South Lakeland Area Support Team and Locality Public Health Manager

A report was considered from the Assistant Director - Customer and Community Services regarding a Community Development and Public Health Activity update. The report drew attention to key Community Development and Public Health Activity undertaken by the South Lakeland Area Support Team and the Locality Public Health Manager.   

The Public Health Locality Manager presented the report. He talked about the following areas with regard to the Cost of Living Crisis:

·      Situational awareness and information gathering

·      Communication

·      Affordable warmth

·      Income maximisation and money management

·      Community support

·      Food poverty

·      Housing

·      Mental wellbeing

Advice about accessing the COVID vaccine booster was also provided.

The Chair noted a recent Government announcement regarding a fund for promoting energy saving and if there was any financial help for residents with oil heaters.

The Public Health Locality Manager commented there were some existing schemes and it was anticipated the money would be more targeted at District Councils but no details were available.  He noted that there was limited help for residents with oil heating systems and Cumbria County Council had provided grants.

Dr Jarvis remarked about schemes administered by South Lakeland District Council for help up to £10,000 and the latest tranche was up to £25,000 so there were significant sums available.

The Local Member for Upper Kent commented that COVID booster vaccines had taken place in his division, however there had been little notice given of the dates and hoped there would be opportunity for promoting details about new dates in the future.

The Public Health Locality Manager noted that the NHS was leading on the vaccine programme and highlighted the huge pressures that the NHS were working under and the fact it was a huge area for a small team to cover and asked if members did see future vaccine dates for them to publicise the dates.

The Chair thanked the Public Health Locality Manager for his update.

There were no reports made to this meeting on Outside Bodies

Mrs Evans presented her report as the Committee’s Children’s Champion.  She noted that the Bright Futures Magazine was out.  This gives lots of information about the help and support that is available for our Care Leavers. Mrs Evans had spoken to the Interim Senior Manager regarding Child Exploitation and was pleased to report that no Cumbrian child in South Lakeland was in the high risk category.  If anyone had a concern contact the email address cerar@cumbria.gov.uk

The OFSTED report had been published and, overall, Children’s Services  were judged to be ‘required improvement to be good’. Mrs Evans noted that the experiences of Children Looked After and Care Leavers had been rated ‘Good’ and she commented that it was going in the right direction.

The next meeting will be held on 24 January 2023 at 10.00am at County Offices, Kendal.

The next meeting of the Local Committee would be held on 24 January 2023 at 10.00am