Agenda and draft minutes

None

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meetings held on 17^th July, and 19^th August, 2019 were agreed as correct records.

[A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit, proposing action (s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Committee’s work programme]

There were no public statements.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting.

Further to the Panel meeting held on 17^th July, when the Panel posed questions to Local Authority officers, DCLT (Doncaster Culture Leisure Trust) provided a presentation on the areas detailed below.  Prior to the presentation, the DCLT Deputy Chief Executive apologised to Members for not being able to attend the previous Scrutiny Panel meeting.

The DCLT Deputy Chief Executive continued by highlighting that excellent work was already being undertaken across communities within the borough, including a multi-agency approach, and moving forward it was important to build capacity, good practice and a sustainable model for the future.  His presentation gave detail on the following areas:

Delivery timeline – marketing was key to assist with delivery of the programme including promotion within local communities to encourage engagement;

Governance – DCLT as lead organisation held legal and governance responsibilities with reports being made to the Independent Board.  A standardised methodology for data monitoring would be required ensuring accurate information was being recorded.  A sub-group had been established to agree Terms of Reference for the Social Isolation Alliance;

Research and Evaluation – Public Health reported that it had undertaken some initial scoping with Sheffield and York Universities providing baseline information;

Operational Delivery Plan – this had not yet been agreed but it was important that Members of the Alliance shaped delivery to ensure meaningful actions were achieved in line with local strategies.  A new title for Social Isolation would be addressed by the Alliance providing a more meaningful description.

Funding and Commissioning – It was noted that the Alliance would have a strategic approach when applying for additional funding but also the expertise to offer smaller groups when seeking match funding.

Financial Plan:

Following the presentation Members addressed a number of areas as detailed below.

The Cabinet Member thanked the Panel for the invitation to the meeting and explained that the funding allocated did not amount to as much as the Local Authority would have liked and acknowledged that everyone was working in restrictive times.  She stressed that sustainability of the programme would be reliant on match funding, of which there was funding available that could be accessed, for example, money from National Government, Age concern or the Lottery.  She stated that the strength of an Alliance ensured there could be a more successful Doncaster funding bid. 

It was acknowledged that not one pathway would address social isolation for everyone but required different methods for individuals, groups and communities with some possible actions being rolled out across the Borough.  To assist with the successful delivery of the programme, the Alliance would require the invaluable information and knowledge that Councillors held about their wards and communities, therefore were encouraged to meet with DCLT to pass on such information.

Members provided examples where social isolation was increasing, particularly for individuals, and it was stressed that the programme was not just about providing more activities for the community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Senior Governance Officer provided an update on the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and Council’s Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

RESOLVED that the Work Plan and Forward Plan, be noted.