Minutes:
Councillor Peter Barnes (Environment)
· The “Clean for the Queen” project had been a success and had reached over 400,000 people on Social Media. The Portfolio Holder wished to express his thanks to the community for their involvement.
· Nottingham Trent University architecture students had recently presented ideas and plans for consideration in relation to the Gedling County Park visitor centre. The Portfolio Holder noted the exceptional quality of the work and how much effort they had put into their plans.
· Good support had been received for the Bulky Waste Collection Amnesty.
Councillor Henry Wheeler (Housing, Health and Wellbeing)
· The Better Care Fund Plan 16/17 has now been signed off to allow access to additional funding for disabled facilities grants.
· The Council would be taking part in the Local Government Mental Health Challenge and would be bringing a motion before Council and, hopefully, appointing a Mental Health Champion.
· Dementia Friend training for Members and Leisure Centres is ongoing.
· Work is currently underway to look at the signage at Bonington Theatre, who are currently running a successful theatre programme.
· Work is ongoing regarding bringing empty homes back into use and there are currently discussions with Gedling Homes regarding the potential to lease some of their properties to assist with temporary accommodation.
· It is hoped that Stop Smoking Services for pregnant women will be extended into the Borough from Kingsmill Hospital.
Councillor Jenny Hollingsworth (Growth and Regeneration)
· 870 students from 5 schools attended an employment programme, which was supported by 40 private sector employers.
· The Department of Work and Pensions, Gedling Borough Council and Bassetlaw District Council were undertaking a project looking at barriers to employment in Arnold and Worksop.
· 128 young people attended the National Apprenticeships Show at Arnold Methodist Church.
· Carlton Brass Band have recently relocated to Burton Joyce; there are plans for the former band room site to become starter homes.
· Discussions regarding the development of an extra care village in the Borough are ongoing.
Councillor David Ellis (Public Protection)
· Crime and anti-social behaviour continues to decline in the Borough. This trend does not, however, reflect all crime, for example cyber-crime is increasing.
· Training had been undertaken by Members, Officers and a number of partner agencies regarding preventing radicalisation.
· Officers from various agencies had liaised to reduce the impact of a short term traveller encampment at Teal Close.
Councillor Kathryn Fox (Community Development)
· The Council’s COMA project had been selected by the Cabinet Office as a case study in local authority led asset transfer.
· A resource pack relating to community asset transfers would be available in April and a number of workshops would be available to community groups regarding business planning and sustainability, finance, governance and organisational structures.
· A Spring craft event will be held on 9 April from 1-5pm at the Civic Centre, with special educational needs support.
· Funding had been provided for young and elderly concessionary tickets to Nottingham Playhouse.
· Theatre outreach sessions would be held in Newstead, Killisick and Netherfield.
· Hope Nottingham and Eudaimonia have received funding to open a super kitchen and foodbank network.
· From October-November 2015 247 people were helped by the Citizens Advice Bureau. A debt case worker had assisted 52 people; managing almost £400,000 of debt and having £500,000 written off.
· International Women’s Day and an associated programme of events had been successful, including an awards ceremony celebrating women in the community.
· An election to Gedling Youth Council had recently taken place and new Youth Councillors would hold their first meeting on 21 March.
Councillor Michael Payne (Resources and Reputation)
· A new edition of Contacts magazine had just gone to print following a meeting of the Editorial Board. Feedback on content is welcomed.
· The Council had responded to the government’s consultation on the New Homes Bonus.
· Some Gedling Homes Services will continue to be provided from the Civic Centre, with Gedling Borough Council Advisors providing some counter services.
· All of Borough Wide community grants had been awarded and the Portfolio Holder encourage Members with remaining funds to allocate before the end of the financial year.
· The Portfolio Holder mentioned the outstanding work of all involved in the Women’s Day events.
Councillor John Clarke (Leader of the Council)
· Talks regarding a devolution deal are ongoing with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire authorities.
· Feedback from a recent Erasmus visit had been positive and the Leader had requested a presentation to Cabinet on the project.
· Following recent visits to locality co-ordinators, the Leader had requested an update to Cabinet on their work.