Agenda and minutes

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2021 be approved as a correct record.

PCSO Supervisor Lee Baker provided members with an update on activity within High Peak

Changes in staffing were reported, and it was confirmed that each area has dedicated police and PCSOs, a Safer Neighbourhood Team and that the police stations were open 24/7. The main reports in Buxton and Glossop were violence, public disorder, criminal damage and burglaries and the number of reports were in line with other forces. 

The Safer Neighbourhood Teams worked with communities to enhance policing in the area and to highlight what issues the community wanted the police to focus on.  This included speeding motorists and house and shed break ins.  Visits were made to schools and each areas has two PCSO youth engagement officers who are successful is identifying repeat offenders.  Work was on-going around burglaries with successful covert and overt patrols being undertaken.  Reference was also made to joint working around ASBO issues both in Buxton and Hadfield.

Members were invited to participate in informal meetings and walk abouts with the police, and PCSO Baker thanked those councillors who had worked with the police throughout the year and invited members to contact him direct.

Members thanked the police for the work done throughout the area and welcomed joint meetings and walkabouts etc.  The best wishes of the committee were conveyed to retiring Inspector Parker and Acting Inspector Woodhouse.

RESOLVED:

That PCSO Baker be thanked for his presentation.

Representatives of Parkwood and Lex Leisure provided members with a yearly review of activities.

High Peak Leisure Contract

Matters reported on included Covid financial recovery and challenges around supply chains and recruitment, particularly swimming teachers and the launch of a new App.  Contract highlights included swimming recovery and growth, increased traction via social media, capital works and the delivery of holiday clubs. Information was provided around memberships and swim school numbers, which were recovering well. Greater use was being made of social media both to promote sessions and offers and provide challenges for members. Details of maintenance and capital investment works were set out, together with details of the delivery of the Active Communities scheme, working in partnership with High Peak Borough Council.  Key areas of focus going forward was on fitness recovery to pre Covid levels, continue to grow the swimming lessons, utility reduction, the delivery of the Active Communities Plan, the Holiday Activities Food funding applications and the introduction of new initiatives.

The Social Value generated annually was presented, which during 2019/20 was approximately £7M. In response to a query, members were advised that as part of a community safety initiative, young people were encouraged to use the gym facilities, some free of charge. Similar work was also on-going with the school in Chapel en le Frith.  In response to a comment around the use of the social value data to other organisations, the Head of Service Commissioning agreed to share details of the formula calculations used.

In response to a query regarding Active Communities within Buxton, details of the plans developed for the area were set out and it was noted that the holiday clubs had been successfully run in conjunction with Pavilion Gardens.

Pavilion Gardens

Members were provided with information around the introduction and reopening of Pavilion Gardens, which included the delivery of new events and services, working with partners and a reduction in single use plastics, Practices related to Covid had been implemented and the impact on catering and hospitality  in 2021 and into 2022 was reported.  New events included a Halloween Trail, inflatable sessions and Christmas Markets, Santa’s grotto and Christmas trail. Capital works were being undertaken including the Conservatory capital works and the Changing Places Toilet was due to open in Jan / Feb 22. Usage figures and projects and development for 2022 were set out including the development of the catering and retail offering and capital works on the Conservatory East Pavilion.

In response to a query regarding recycling, work was on-gong with Veolia to identify a more efficient solution.

RESOLVED:

That the presentations be noted.

The Committee considered a report which provided information on the contents of the Government’s White Paper in relation to Social Housing and the current estimated implementation timetable.  The implications for the Council were set out, including details of the new Charter / Consumer Standards which will now apply to it in its role as social landlord, and the enforcement powers available tot eh regulator of Social Housing in the event of default. The report highlighted the approach taken by officers to assess the Council’s compliance with the Standards and highlights the work to TPAS around tenant engagement and confirm the Tenant Satisfaction measure currently being undertaken by the Regulator and provides a suggested response from the Council. 

In response to comments from members, details of the work undertaken to respond to the requirements were set out.  Wok was on-going with TPAS to review the approach to a Tenants’ Panel and the baseline survey around tenant perception would be distributed in March.

RESOVLED:

1.    That the approach being taken in relation to the White Paper and the implications for the Council be noted; and

2.    That the response to the consultation exercise in relation to Tenant Satisfaction Measure as set out in Appendix A be supported.

Members considered a consultation by Derbyshire County Council around the future of direct care homes for older people, which specifically impacts Goyt Valley House, New Mills.  Attached to the report was a copy of the response by members to the previous consultation undertaken in 2020. 

It was noted that a representative of DCC had been invited to attend this meeting, but that the invitation had been declined.

The following comments were made:

·         Concerns regarding the impact on the residents if they are relocated

·         A shortage of places available within a 10 mile radius rated as good

·         Concerns regarding greater travelling distances, particularly in view of often inclement weather conditions and poor public transport network.

·         Impact of the rural nature of the area 

·         Concerns around the loss of yet more services

·         Conflicting information around upkeep and worthiness

·         Proposals are driven by budgets

·         Improvements could be made to the facility

·         The facility is well liked and respected by families and residents

·         Demolish and rebuild new facility in its place

·         Report makes reference to people choosing to live longer at home but it may be difficult to recruit staff to provide care in individuals’ homes and it may not always be appropriate

RESOLVED:

That the above comments be submitted as the Council’s response to the consultation.

The following amendments were made to the work programme:

Arts and Cultural Strategy – slip

Leisure Improvement Plan – slip

Add:     Update from CAB

Add:  Presentation from PC Refurb

The Executive Councillor advised that DCC were de-commissioning the Handy Van service with effect from 31.3.22 and it was suggested that a representative of Connex be invited to the next meeting to provide an update on the effect of this on the service.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the above amendments, the work programme be noted.