Agenda and minutes

(1)       Lisa Handley (Assistant Director) and Emma Scott (Operational Manager), Family Action Cumbria, attended the meeting for agenda item 7 – 0-19 Child and Family Support Service (minute 72 refers).

(2)       Andy Auld, Chief Executive, Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice, attended the meeting for agenda item 8 – Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice Bureau Update (minute 73 refers).

(3)       Jeannie Pasley, representative from Carlisle City Council attended for agenda item 12 – 2021/22 ‘Greening the Greenmarket’ (minute 77 refers).

Apologies for absence were received from Dr S Haraldsen and Dr K Lockney.

Mr M Mitchelson declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 11 - Area Planning Report (Minute 79 refers) as he was the Chairperson of Lanercost Sports Club.

RESOLVED,    that the press and public be not excluded from the meeting for any items of business on this occasion.

There were no public questions, statements or petitions to be considered at this meeting.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 5 January 2022 and the Special meeting of the Local Committee held on 8 February 2022 (copies enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 5 January 2022 and the Special meeting held on 8 February 2002 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To receive verbal updates from Carlisle Member Champions as follows:-

(a)       Autism

(b)       Children in Care

(a)       Autism Champion Update

An apology was received from Matthew Proudfoot who was due to attend the meeting.  In his absence the Local Committee Champion for Autism gave a brief outline of the attributes relating to autism which included:-

·           social communication and interaction difficulties;

·           repetitive and restrictive behaviour;

·           over and under sensitivity to light, sound, taste and touch;

·           tightly focused interests and hobbies;

·           extreme anxiety.

Members were informed that Autism Acceptance Week would take place during the first week of April and would include a number of events.

(b)       Children in Care

The Local Member Champion for Children in Care explained that the Cumbria Early Years Strategy had been agreed and aimed to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, including those that were looked after.

The Committee was informed that the Children Looked After and Care Leavers Strategy, a live document, had been considered by the Corporate Parenting Board.  The Member Champion welcomed the pathway which was in place for looked after children aged 16.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To receive a presentation from the Assistant Director for Services and Innovation (Cumbria) - Family Action (copy enclosed).

The Committee received a presentation from representatives of Family Action; a national charity started in 1869 with a presence in Cumbria since 2020 who had won Charity of the Year in 2021.

Members were informed of their service levels and their proposed wide?range of service delivery for the next quarter. 

The Committee was informed of the successful national phone line and schools breakfast programme. 

Members noted the future challenges and plans for the Carlisle services which included local need, demand for child and family support services, new services, partnership working, Local Government reorganisation, requirements from them as a provider and the key people with the conversation.

The Committee was informed that the Solihull On-line course was an accredited programme which provided information on parenting skills.

A discussion took place regarding financial viability and members were informed that the Service had been commissioned by the County Council until 2023 and the charity as a whole also received additional national and local funding.

The local Member for Belle Vue asked about services provision on the Raffles estate and it was agreed that further information would be made available direct.

The local Member for Harraby South raised concerns regarding the initial progress but welcomed the current service, whilst emphasising the need for strong partnerships with schools.  Officers acknowledged the concerns raised and assured members that although sites were closed during the pandemic a considerable amount of work continued to be undertaken.  The Assistant Director agreed that further partnership work with schools was necessary and highlighted her recent attendance at a meeting of the Primary Heads Association to be followed by a visit to a Secondary Heads Association meeting.  Members were encouraged to contact the Service direct with any specific concerns in their Division.

A discussion took place regarding hard to reach families and the Leader asked if conscious efforts were being made to identify and support those people.  Officers acknowledged the difficulties encountered in contacting this group of people but assured members that local networks were in place which included midwives, schools, health visitors and other professionals to help identify and engage with local families.

The Chair thanked officers for their update.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To receive a presentation from Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice Bureau (copy enclosed).

The Committee received a presentation which included a number of case studies from Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice, a locally based free, confidential, independent and impartial advice service who helped people with a range of problems which included legal, debt, consumer and housing issues.  It was explained that there were certain areas of the law which the Service was unable to provide support and those matters were referred to other appropriate services.

Members were informed that in 2020/21 the top five advice areas were benefits, debt, employment, utilities and housing.  It was explained that last year the Service had been accessed by 4,938 people regarding 15,046 issues using a number of different methods which included face-to-face, telephone, e?mail, webchat and video.

A discussion took place regarding the recent pandemic and members noted that at the outset there had been a recognition there would be a need to serve a new demographic as well as those who would typically use the Service. 

The Committee was informed that additional services were being provided for people with mental health wellbeing issues and that additional funding was being provided from the Community Foundation Fund for the provision of services in rural areas.

A discussion took place regarding finance and resources and members were informed that the Service was an independent, not-for-profit charity which receives no central funding and was supported by a range of different organisations including local authorities.

Members noted the invaluable contribution of volunteers which enabled the Service to provide support.

A discussion took place regarding the provision of legal services; it was confirmed that CAB had access to a number of solicitors who provided a free initial consultation.

The Committee discussed the potential future difficulties for the Service due to the current economy etc and asked what the priorities would be if resources were available.  The  Chief Executive, CAB highlighted the top priority would be financial security to allow more financial planning to take place.  It was explained that the majority of resources were allocated to front?line services where there was an immediate need but if additional ring?fenced funding was available this could be used more effectively.

The Chair welcomed the informative presentation.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the activity of the parking team for the first 10 months of this financial year, 2021/22.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed the activity of the Parking Team for the first 10 months of this financial year.

A discussion took place regarding potential changes to pavement parking enforcement and whilst members appreciated the issues this caused for pedestrians concerns were also highlighted with regards to the narrow roads and number of vehicles.  The Parking Manager explained this was currently a criminal offence and the Team would deal with the issues once it became a civil matter.

Members raised a number of concerns regarding the safety of children outside schools due to inconsiderate parking.  The Parking Manager acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that civil enforcement officers were deployed in accordance with the availability of resources.

A discussion took place regarding the financial aspects of the Team and the Committee was informed that any surplus was reinvested into the Service.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, congratulated the Parking Manager on his recent appointment to the post.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report is to seek approval of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Carlisle.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which sought approval of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Carlisle.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton, whilst welcoming the Plan expressed his disappointment that his Division, as well as other rural areas, would not benefit from the proposals.  During the course of discussion he welcomed the future potential of removal of through?traffic to create 20 mph Low Traffic Neighbourhoods to slow traffic.

The local Member for Wetheral reiterated his concerns regarding the lack of priority for cycling provision from the East.

The local Member for Brampton also raised his concerns regarding the lack of provision in the rural areas and highlighted the Hadrian’s Cycleway as being of potential benefit.

The local Member for Botcherby raised concerns regarding the number of new developments in his Division and the effects this was having on the safety of pedestrians due to increased traffic flows.

The local Member for Belle Vue welcomed the proposed crossing over the Waverley Viaduct in the long?term Plan.

The Committee was informed that the Plan considered the overlaps and synergies with other plans, schemes and strategies.  It was explained that this meant the network priorities would be reviewed and updated periodically, particularly if there were any significant changes in local circumstances, such as the publication of new policies or strategies, new development sites, if funding bids were successful and as walking and cycling networks mature and expand.  It was agreed that the Senior Programme Manager, Cycling and Walking would consider the comments with regards to the rural areas.

Members noted that the LCWIP for Carlisle was a live document that would be regularly reviewed to ensure the most appropriate routes for cycling and walking were identified and prioritised for future delivery.

The Committee was informed that the Carlisle LCWIP was a not a funded Plan, however, having an LCWIP in place would put the Authority in the best possible position to secure future funding for the delivery of improvements. 

A discussion took place with regards to engagement and communication regarding the Plan and it was confirmed this would be undertaken by the Authority’s Communications Team.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Senior Programme Manager, Cycling and Walking and her Team for the work they had undertaken on this matter.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)     the LCWIP for Carlisle (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be approved;

                          (2)     authority be delegated to the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure in consultation with the Chair and Vice?Chair of the Local Committee to make any necessary minor amends to the Carlisle LCWIP prior to its publication.  

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides an update on its agreed activity, a financial statement in support of these activities and requests decisions on a range of issues.

Members received a report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which provided members with recommendations and matters to note relating to budget commitments, grant allocations from the recommendations of its Strategic Grants Panel and other relevant matters relating to area planning.

A discussion took place regarding the £27,000 allocation to support development of small community events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Anniversary.  Members asked for confirmation as soon as possible as to how the money would be allocated.

The Committee requested that further information with regards to grant applications be made available in the future.

RESOLVED,   that

                          (1)       the commitments made and the remaining balances within delegated budgets and the grants (as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report) be noted;

                          (2)       the following grants made from the Area Planning Fund (as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report) be noted:-

                                      (i)        £1,200 to The Laal Collective – Family Days towards the cost of three family days for neuro diverse young people and young people from the travelling community;

                                      (ii)       £4,400 toAge UK – Healthy Ageing City towards engagement with 500 older adults across the City through questionnaires and five events;

                          (3)       the following grants from the 0-19 Funding (as summarised in Appendix 3 of the report) be noted:-

                                      (i)        £4,693 to Active Cumbria towards Street Tag Virtual playground app which will be a school based initiative for children;

                                      (ii)       £2,500 to The Rock Youth Project towardsGrow your own Fruit and Veg and improve cooking skills and create a cook book;

                                      (iii)      £4,998 to Dig Ventures Project Eden and Carlisle to help young people aged 16+ to develop tangible skills in archaeology;

                                      (iv)      £2,000 to Upgrading the play park at DownAgate Community Centre towards the upgrading of the play park;

                                      (v)       £2,400 to Cumbria Youth Alliance towards Dreamscheme enabling groups of young people to carry out social action projects within their community;

                                      (vi)      £1,000 to Carlisle Sea Cadets towards setting up and training a new Sea Cadets Marching Band in Carlisle;

                                      (vii)     £5,000 to Tribe Carlisle CIC towards a unit dedicated to the city’s young people;

                                      (viii)    £1,500 to Lanercost Sports Club towards upskilling coaches qualifications and new training equipment for the expansion of the junior, womens and girls section of the Cricket Club;

                          (4)       a grant of £11,088 from the Committee’s 0-19 fund to Right 2Work CIC to support young people who are beginning to disengage with School/college (as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report) be agreed;

                          (5)       a grant of £13,750 from the Committee’s Sports Hardship Fund to the Physical Activity Referral Partnership to support sedentary or inactive people with a health condition to participate in activity that is suitable for them be agreed;

                          (6)       the allocation of the Committee’s non?highways revenue funding (detailed in Appendix 4 of the report) be noted in the following areas:

                                      (i)        £129,772 - being the full Neighbourhood Support Budget, allocated to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report details Carlisle City Council’s proposal to use Welcome Back Funds to put in place a ‘pop-up park’ - ‘Greening the Greenmarket’ in Carlisle’s pedestrianised area as part of measures to create and promote a safe and healthy environment for local trade and tourism in the high street’s economies reopen post Covid-19 restrictions.

The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which detailed Carlisle City Council’s proposal to use Welcome Back Funds to put in place a ‘pop-up park’ - ‘Greening the Greenmarket’ in Carlisle’s pedestrianised area.  It was explained that this was part of measures to create and promote a safe and healthy environment for local trade and tourism in the high street’s economies reopen post Covid-19 restrictions.

Members were informed that councils across England were to share £56m of European Regional Development Fund funding to support the return to high streets safely and help build back better from the pandemic.  It was explained that Carlisle City Council were, therefore, proposing to provide a ‘pop-up park’ - ‘Greening the Greenmarket’, which would be designed to bring calming green space into the City centre.

During the course of discussion some reservations were expressed regarding the project.  Officers explained this was a temporary pilot project to promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopened and would be in place until Remembrance Sunday

A discussion took place regarding the support which would be required from County Council highway resources and it was confirmed officers would liaise with regards to health and safety and operational aspects of the scheme.

The Committee highlighted potential anti?social behaviour in the area and officers confirmed CCTV would be in place.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)       the ‘Greening the Greenmarket’ Project

                          (2)       Carlisle City Council request for support from Cumbria highways officers to facilitate the permissions required to undertake the works involved and provide technical input as required.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report presents the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the highways programme progress information, as detailed in the attached appendices.

The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which presented the Highways Revenue, Devolved Capital and Non-Devolved Capital budget finance reports, combined with the Highways Programme progress information.

Members were informed that the 2021/22 Highways Revenue budget was forecasting an underspend of -£72,430, Highways Devolved Capital Budget was forecasting an underspend of -£272,507 and the Highways Non-Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an underspend of -£88,681.

The Leader informed the Committee that a report would be presented to the next Cabinet meeting proposing that the local committees highway underspends and overspends be carried forward to the next financial year.

The local Member for Botcherby asked if the proposed contribution £198,000 from Virgin Media would cover all the costs.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed this was the agreed contribution and explained that any safety defects would be financed from the Authority in accordance with their statutory duty. 

The local Member for Botcherby raised a concern regarding the trees in Broad Street, Carlisle.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed that a site visit had been undertaken and the works had been scheduled. 

The local Member for Botcherby raised concerns regarding railings and it was confirmed that any defects should be reported via HIAMS.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh raised a concern regarding regular flooding at Grinsdale and the Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed if this was a major defect it would be investigated.

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (1)     the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (as shown in Appendix 1 of the report);

                          (2)     the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (as detailed in Appendix 2);

                          (3)     the Highways Programme progress information (set out in Appendices 4 and 5 of the report);

                          (4)     Revenue underspend of -£72,430

                                    (a)       the Revenue underspend is primarily from the Carriageway and Drainage Maintenance budget coming in under projection, this is currently being worked through with Finance;

                          (5)     Devolved Capital Underspend of -£272,507

                                    (a)       The devolved capital underspend is made up primarily of:

                                               (i)      £198,000 contribution from Virgin Media, this is currently being designed to be delivered in 22/23;

                                               (ii)     £18,245 underspend from HCSI Footways;

                                               (iii)    £41,337 underspend from HCSI Carriageways;

                          (6)     Non-Devolved Capital Underspend of -£88,681

                                    (a)       The Non-devolved capital underspend is from:

                                               (i)      Cairn Bridge remediation works are delayed due to ecological issues that are being worked through for delivery in 22/23.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 9 February 2022 and presents recommendations for the Local Committee to consider.  

Members considered a report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure which gave details of the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group (HTWG) held on 9 February 2022 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

(1)       Minutes

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2021/22 Flood and Development Management Update

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       2021/22 Highways Budget/Programme Progress Report

RESOLVED,   that the following be noted:-

                          (a)       the various Highways Revenue budget allocations and headings (detailed in Appendix 1 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (b)       the various Highways Capital budget allocations and headings (detailed in Appendix 2 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (c)       the Highways Devolved Capital Programme information (detailed in Appendix 3 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (d)       the Programme progress information (as shown in Appendices 4 and 5 of the report to the HTWG);

                          (e)       there are no comments in the Appendices to bring to the attention of Local Members.  Any significant comments, changes and/or amendments will be highlighted here in subsequent and future reports to the HTWG.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report gives an overview of the work of the Carlisle Community Development Team and the Public Health Locality Manager (Carlisle).

The Local Committee received a detailed report from the Executive Director – Corporate, Customer and Community Services which gave an overview of the significant work of the Carlisle Community Development Team and the Public Health Locality Manager (Carlisle) from September 2021–February 2022. 

Members noted the report provided an overview of partnership work of the Team with case studies showcasing their work; together with a summary of community grant activity processed by the Team during the same period.

The local Member for Belle Vue asked if support was available for children and adults with disabilities.  The Public Health Locality Manager confirmed that this work was being undertaken and details would be included in future reports.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Community Team for their invaluable help and support during the pandemic.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

The current Forward Plan of business for future meetings of the Local Committee was noted.

To note that the next meeting of Carlisle Local Committee will be held on Tuesday 17 May 2022 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.

The Committee was informed that the first meeting of Cumberland Shadow Council had been scheduled to take place on the same day as the next meeting of Carlisle Local Committee.  It was, therefore

RESOLVED,    that the next meeting of Local Committee on Tuesday 17 May 2002 be cancelled and rescheduled.