Agenda item

Ward Budgets

Cllr Myers provided information on the new arrangements for the Ward budgets, it was noted that application packs were available online or from CYC;

·        Annual General Ward Fund - £7490 - applications welcomed from community groups.

·        Community Care Fund - £3745 - to support activities which would potentially delay people needing to access social care.  Cllrs would be holding a number of meetings to engage with the community.  It was noted that in the Clifton Ward there was a higher level of elderly people needing to access pension credit than in other parts of the city.  Priorities for the Ward would be established through consultation and applications would be assessed against priorities.

·        Pride in York Fund - £4993 – to support environmental projects aimed at keeping the area presentable.  It was noted that this fund is additional to work currently carried out by CYC.

·        One off Pride in York Fund - £7547– to initially support projects which potentially would prevent additional funds being needed at a later stage.

·        Ward Highway Programme - £12484 – this budget would be in place for 4 years to target Ward maintenance not covered by CYC for example improving footpaths and street lighting.  Residents were referred to the map and encouraged to highlight areas to target.  It was noted funds not used could be rolled forward.

Are these budgets for the current financial year to 31^st March 2016?

Yes, it was acknowledged the deadline was short and due to the councillors being newly elected priorities were not in place.  It was intended that a small group of key people from areas such as housing, police, social care, church groups, young people and schools form a Ward Team with the councillors to set the priorities.  It was important that the right decisions on the funding be made.

How can applications be made before priorities are set?

It was acknowledged it was difficult due to the short deadline however people were encouraged to apply anyway.  Some key priorities to be discussed would undoubtedly surround the vulnerable; those affected by pension credit and the reduction in youth services amongst others.

Cllr Myers informed the meeting the young people in Clifton would be encouraged to have their say and activities had been arranged to access this body of the community.  A meeting had been arranged at Canon Lee school to talk to their pupils.

Is the Community Care Fund linked to the Care Act?

The Community Care Fund should be used to support people in a different way by initiating projects which would potentially delay the need to access social care.  Projects around addressing social isolation, transport limitations, support for carers, nutrition and prevention of falls.

Is this just for older people?

No, all adults whatever age who potentially would require support?

Environmental Budget

Cllr Myers informed the meeting that the Environmental Budget for the Ward which is used to pay for hedge cutting, grass cutting and winter maintenance would be cut in 2016 from £19500 to £10500.  The Ward would need to decide what services could be cut and what would definitely not be acceptable.  It was noted that although not ideal there would be a greater reliance on community groups and volunteers to carry out some of the work.  Cllr Myers informed the meeting that should groups wish to form constitutions to access funding support could be arranged.

Can local community groups access national funding?

This can prove difficult but is possible.

A resident commented that a lot of economies can be made but potentially cause problems in the future for instance not filling pot holes causes accidents, not cutting grass escalates problems with weeds.  If you don’t invest in infrastructure and public services then bigger problems often occur.

Not clearing gulley’s causes flooding who should do this?

Residents were informed that CYC have a cleaning responsive service ring 551550 and report the gulley’s the council will do the work.  This is also true for bins which are not emptied.  Cllr Myers informed residents that if they report it and nothing is done that they should contact himself or Cllr Wells.

A resident informed councillors of a problem with the weekly bin collection which had resulted in rubbish being left for 5 days although it was acknowledged that this was over a weekend and it was the first time it had happened.  Cllr Myers informed residents that if a problem was reported and no action was taken then the councillors should be contacted to sort the issue.  Residents were asked to note the reference number when raising an issue with the council as this would aid councillors on chasing the problem.

It was noted that there was not enough bins in Crombie Park and rubbish was being spread, thanks went to the Clifton Green school staff for litter picking early morning to minimise problems.  Thanks also went to the person from the council who collects litter on a regular basis for the Ward.

Was the Environmental budget separate to the Ward budget?

Yes.

Residents in Lumley Road raised the issue of parents from Clifton Green Primary School parking inconsiderately and blocking drives and ask could anything be done?

A representative from the school informed residents that they were aware that the decision to stop people accessing the Health Centre side of the school due to health and safety had impacted on residents in Lumley Road.  Parents would be asked to consider residents on Lumley Road through the school newsletter; he would also raise the issue with the school to whether anything more could be done.  It was noted that the school encourages walking and cycling to school.

It was also noted the school was currently raising funds for St Leonard’s Hospice through collection of small change, ‘A Copper Challenge’ and asked for support from residents.  The coins would be made into a piece of art and then cashed in for the charity.