Agenda and minutes

Chief Superintendent Lisa Hogan, Cumbria Constabulary attended for agenda item 6 – Update from Cumbria Police.

Apologies for absence were received from Dr K Lockney and Mr R Watson.

Mrs C Bowditch declared a non?pecuniary interest in agenda item 8 – Area Planning Report (Minute 51 refers) in her capacity as Chair of Carlisle Mencap.

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 12 September 2022 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 12 September 2022 be confirmed as circulated and thereupon signed by the Chair.

To receive a verbal update from Cumbria Constabulary.

Chief Superintendent Lisa Hogan gave a verbal update on the neighbourhood policing restructuring following the Local Government Review. 

Members were informed that the proposal was to locate 60 police community support officers and a dedicated police officer into smaller localities than currently existed and it was explained that the well?established local focus hubs would continue.

A discussion took place regarding the restructure and the Leader asked whether the resources would be available to deal with major incidents due to the larger area which would need to be covered.

The Chief Superintended confirmed that the number of police officers would not be reduced and that community response officers would be located in key areas, therefore it was anticipated that the local response would improve.

The local Member for Belah asked for details regarding any impact on the Service due to the asylum seekers.  The Chief Superintendent explained that a policing response had been provided to a low level of incidents which were minimal in terms of crime.

The local Member for Stanwix Urban raised a question regarding safeguarding and it was confirmed those issues were addressed immediately by the Community Inspector of the Local Neighbourhood Team in collaboration with Serco UK.

The local Member for Belle Vue asked for further information regarding the location of focus hubs in the Carlisle area and it was agreed this would be provided for all members.

The local Member for Brampton asked for further information regarding locality and neighbourhood policing in his Division and it was agreed this would be provided direct.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton expressed a concern regarding the lack of communication between the Police and parish councils.  The Chief Inspector confirmed that in future there would be a dedicated Community Beat Officer who would be accessible to parish councils.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton asked whether there were any issues regarding antisemitism.  It was explained there was not thought to be any concerns but this would be investigated and confirmed outside the meeting.

The local Member for Botcherby raised a concern regarding the attitude of some call handlers.  The Chief Inspector informed the Committee that those resources received continuous training and was surprised to hear this concern.  It was explained that this would be considered as unacceptable conduct and asked that any further incidents of this nature be reported immediately as all calls were recorded, therefore, this could be investigated and any necessary action taken.

The local Member for Botcherby then raised his concerns regarding the lack of visible police officers walking the streets rather than driving vehicles.  The Chief Inspector explained that the current demand was so significant it would be impossible to have all resources on foot.  It was explained there was an increase in resources in Cumbria Constabulary with the intention of more visibility and accessibility, whilst highlighted time constraints due to the training requirements for newly appointed police staff.  Members noted that in future officers would be placed in dedicated areas to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report provides an update to Members on the enforcement of on and selected off-street parking in the Carlisle Local Committee area.

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

The local Member for Castle raised an issue regarding lines on the highway in his Division and asked if liaison took place with colleagues regarding this matter.  The Parking Manager confirmed that liaison did take place and confirmed the Team was aware of issues in the Historic Quarter of Carlisle.  Members were informed of the problems regarding the lines due to the surface of the cobbled streets and explained that alternative materials for use in the area were being investigated.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton drew attention to the working arrangements of the Parking Team and asked whether the shift system affected the contracted hours of parking enforcement officers which resulted in them working excessive hours.  The Parking Manager confirmed the officers did not work beyond their contracted 37 hours per week.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton asked for further information regarding the number of penalty charge notices issued in Brampton and it was agreed the Parking Manager would provide this direct.

Members asked a number of questions regarding the criteria for the Blue Badge Scheme.  The Parking Manager informed the Committee this did not fall within the remit of Parking Services but would feed the questions into the Blue Badge Team and report back.

The Committee raised a number of safety concerns regarding parking near schools and the Leader asked whether the Parking Manager had any ideas about how to address the problems.  The Officer acknowledged the concerns raised and whilst parking enforcement officers were occasionally present at schools agreed this was not a long?term solution due to the lack of resources.  The Parking Manager suggested the use of technology such as CCTV enforcement was a possible solution for the future.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh emphasised his concerns regarding safety concerns at schools and highlighted the issues in rural areas.  He then drew attention to the financial summary and in particular the gross expenditure.  The Parking Manager explained that COVID had impacted on this but highlighted an improvement during 2021/22.

The local Member for Brampton raised concerns regarding vehicles parked on public footpaths and was informed this was a criminal offence which was enforceable by the Police.  A question was then asked regarding vehicles contravening restrictions and the Parking Manager explained that parking enforcement officers did observe a certain degree of discretion particularly in quiet residential areas but were more robust in busy places.

The local Member for Botcherby asked for further information regarding HGVs parking on pavements in industrial estates.  The Parking Manager explained there were dedicated regular patrols to industrial estates, in accordance with resources available, to deal with HGV parking restrictions but highlighted that pavement parking was a criminal offence, therefore, this was the responsibility of the Police.

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

To consider a report by the Assistant Director – 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 Assistant Director – 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.

The Committee noted that in March 2022 Local Committee agreed to allocate£72,200 of its General Provision/Area Planning funds to each electoral divisionbased on population levels in the division and that carry?forwards had been permitted in previous years leading to unallocated resources of £81,107 as at 18 October 2022.  The Area Manager explained that those funds could not be carried forward into the new Council arrangements from April 2023, therefore, it was suggested that the Carlisle Area Team work with all members to ensure all funds were allocated to appropriate projects and initiatives by the end of November 2022.  Officers proposed that any unspent funds be returned to General Provision/Area Planning and allocated via the existing Grants Panel arrangements.

The local Member for Botcherby asked for confirmation of this deadline.  The Area Manager confirmed that, due to time constraints and resources, it was felt this was a reasonable timeline to ensure all monies were allocated.

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 grants made from the Area Wide Grants Fund (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 2 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)           £1,266 to Sticky Bits Café Towards Rainbow Stripes Award Ceremony at the North Lakes Hotel;

                                        (ii)          £1,000 to Effective Communities towards Restoring the Star of David window in Morton Street and creating Shaddongate heritage walks;

                                        (iii)         £975 to Carlisle MENCAP towards the costs of a new games room;

                                        (iv)         £1,500 to Carlisle Cathedral towards the costs or repairing and restoring the Cathedral clock;

                                        (v)          £1,750 to Tullie House towards restoration/conservation of Railway Banners;

                            (3)       the grants made from the Committee’s 0-19 Funding (as listed below and summarised in Appendix 3 of the report) be noted:-

                                        (i)           £4,000 to Carlisle Villa Boys Club towards the shortfall for extension of the facility due to increase in materials and costs;

                                        (ii)          £1,000 to Word 4 Word Theatre CIC towards art and drama classes for Caldew Lea School to gain emotional resilience following the impact of Covid-19;

                                        (iii)         £500 to Carlisle City FC towards support setting up costs for two new U7s teams;

                                        (iv)         £5,000 to Carlisle Cycle towards resurfacing the Caldew cycle route;

                                        (v)          £1,000 to Friends of Chances Park to contribute towards plugs/seeds the local school can plant in the wild meadow and contribute to the information signage regarding the flowers;

                                        (vi)         £3,000 to North Pennines AONB Partnership towards creating a natural seating area within the grounds of Talkin Tarn;

                                        (vii)        £1,000 to Carlisle Rotary towards young people’s Activities 2 events Youth Speaks Competition and Carlisle Schools Technology Competition;

                                        (viii)       £3,000 to Cargo Park Community Working  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

[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 2022/23 Highways Revenue budget was forecasting on budget, the 2022/23 Highways Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an overspend of £106,163 and the 2022/23 Highways Non?Devolved Capital budget was forecasting an overspend of £14,596.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager informed the Committee that she was optimistic the overspends would be reduced.

The Leader of the Council informed the Committee that due to the exceptional inflation costs additional funding for this had been agreed at a meeting of full Council which would be devolved to local committees.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed the additional funding was not included in the report and agreed to reinstate schemes which had been removed from the Programme to take account of this.  During the course of discussion it was confirmed that the schemes would be delivered by the end of March 2023.

The local Member for Botcherby raised his concerns regarding the removal of the Durranhill Viaduct scheme.  Officers confirmed the budget for this was not devolved to Local Committee, therefore, schemes were devised centrally.  The Leader informed members that the local Member had raised his concerns at the full Council meeting and it had been agreed that the Portfolio Holder would accompany the local Member on a site visit.  It was, therefore, agreed to await the outcome of the visit. 

The local Member for Corby and Hayton referred to the removal of the remedial works scheme at Cairn Bridge, Esk Quarry due to ecological reasons and asked if this would go ahead in future after taking into account the potential increased costs.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed it was the intention that those works would be undertaken in the future.

The local Member for Dalston and Burgh raised his concerns about the lack of communication regarding the deterioration of the road surface on Cummersdale Road and Gilbert Road, Cummersdale.  The Local Area Highways Network Manager confirmed this information had been passed onto colleagues and that safety works would be undertaken.  It was agreed this matter would be investigated further and an update made available to the local Member direct.

RESOLVED,     that the following be noted:-

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

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

                            (3)       the Highways Programme progress information (as shown in Appendix 3 of the report).

[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 6 October 2022 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 held on 6 October 2022 and presented recommendations to the Local Committee for approval.

The Chair informed the Committee that with regards to recommendation 3.5 of the report (minute 53(6) - 2023/24 Draft Devolved Highways Capital Programme) officers were working with the Cumberland Shadow Authority in the development of their budgets, Constitution and Scheme of Delegation and, therefore, asked for this item to be removed from agenda.  Members were informed that the decision?making for the highways schemes were yet to be determined but assured the Committee that the list of schemes would be shared with the Cumberland Shadow Authority for their consideration.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Area Manager for the excellent communications during the recent derailment incident in Carlisle.

(1)       Minutes

The Leader of the Council highlighted the importance of the reopening of the Hadrian’s Wall footpath to the local economy asked for further information regarding the £15,000 grant allocation to the Beaumont Village River Defence Project.  The Area Manager agreed to look into this matter and report back direct to the Committee.

RESOLVED,   that the minutes be noted.

(2)       2022/23 Flood and Development Management Update

The local Member for Botcherby highlighted his concerns about the lack of feedback from officers about previous issues raised regarding the outlet pipe beside the River Petteril on London Road, the drainage system on Warwick Road and the elevation of manhole covers during high water levels.  It was agreed that the Chair of the Local Committee would contact the officer concerned regarding this matter and report back to the local Member direct.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

(3)       Cumbria Association of Local Councils 20 mph Consultation

The local Member for Wetheral queried how a successful 20 mph scheme, either a zone or limit, could be self?enforcing and not require additional police enforcement.  The Traffic Manager explained this would be by the means of traffic calming or self?enforcing due to the geometry of the road.

The local Member for Corby and Hayton welcomed the consultation whilst highlighting the lack of inclusion of areas which did not have a parish.  The Committee’s support was then requested following discussions which had previously taken place with National Highways regarding a 20 mph speed limit throughout the conurbation of Warwick?on?Eden, Warwick Bridge and Corby Hill.  Members were advised that this was a matter for National Highways but agreed there should be a focus on de?trunking the A69.

The Committee acknowledged the concerns raised and request for the introduction of a 20 mph speed limit in the area and felt this was a matter for the new Authority to consider.

RESOLVED,   that the update be noted.

(4)       Road Safety Concerns at Beaumont, Carlisle

RESOLVED,   that measures to include improvements to traffic signs and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report focusses on the priorities of the Group for this final year of Cumbria County Council 2022-2023.

Members received a detailed report from the Assistant Executive Director – Customer and Community Services which focussed on the priorities of the Children and Young People’s Working Group in its final year of Cumbria County Council 2022-2023.

The Committee noted the report included information regarding the Support Work of the Looked After Children Champion, Supporting Children and Young People Impacted by Domestic Violence, Development of Play and Youth Provision in Urban and Rural Areas, Cumbria Holiday Activity Food Programme Support, Carlisle Holiday Activity Partnership, Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People and Vulnerable Groups.

The local Member for Harraby South welcomed the Harraby Outreach Youth Work but raised concerns regarding the reduction in Police resources and suggested this should be increased.

The Chair of the Children and Young People’s Working Group thanked the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services, Carlisle City Council colleagues and all officers for the exemplary work they had undertaken.

The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Community Services reiterated the Chair’s thanks to everyone.

The local Member for Belle Vue conveyed the thanks and appreciation of the Shadygrove Road hub to Jackie Hayhow.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed the report and thanked all members and officers concerned.

RESOLVED,   that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Carlisle]

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

This report details highlights of the community mental health support in Carlisle and recent developments.

The Committee received a report from the Assistant Director – Customer and Community Services which detailed the mental health support available from Public Health and the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise Sector in Carlisle from a variety of perspectives to provide an overview of services available.

The local Member for Harraby South welcomed the report whilst highlighting her concerns regarding a potential gap in providers which, therefore, increased waiting lists. 

The Committee was informed that when asking organisations and community groups for feedback on how their services were developing, information regarding gaps was also requested.  It was explained several of the groups had provided a response which included that by the time children and young people were allocated a practitioner for support they had often escalated into crisis, engaged in risky behaviours, child sexual exploitation, crime and non?attendance at school during important exam years.  The Public Health Locality Manager, therefore, emphasised the need for early intervention to try and avoid escalation to crisis point.

The local Member for Belle Vue also welcomed the report whilst raising her concerns regarding the lack of specialist support for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism.  It was agreed the Public Health Locality Manager would provide further information on this matter.

The local Member for Botcherby raised concerns regarding the lack of communication and asked specifically about contact with GPs.  The Public Health Locality Manager confirmed that communication did take place whilst acknowledging this could be improved.  It was explained that GPs had access to all information via their EMIS system.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the report and suggested this should be built upon in the future.

The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Public Health Locality Manager for the report and the work which had been undertaken.

RESOLVED,     that the report be noted.

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

(a)       Autism

(b)       Children in Care

(c)        Armed Forces.

(1)       Autism

The Committee received a verbal update from the Champion for Autism.

Members were informed it had been established that the Cumberland Infirmary employed a designated nurse for patients with learning difficulties and autism but further information was awaited regarding the Team.

The Member Champion gave a case study which highlighted the effects that siblings with learning difficulties and autism had on other members of the family and it was felt this should be investigated further in the future.

(2)       Children in Care

The Champion for Children in Care extended an invitation to members to the Christmas parties for looked after children.

(3)       Armed Forces

Members received an update from the Armed Forces Champion noting that a wreath would be laid at Rickerby Park on Remembrance Sunday.

The Committee was informed that support continued to be available at the vibrant veterans luncheon club.

Members were informed that concerns regarding the cost of living crisis for veterans would be investigated by the Royal British Legion.

The Chair thanked the member champions for their informative updates.

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 Wednesday 4 January 2023 at 10.00 am in Conference Room A/B, Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.

RESOLVED,    that the next scheduled meeting will take place on Wednesday 4 January 2023 at 10.00 am at Cumbria House, Botchergate, Carlisle.