Members are asked to consider whether they have any disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on the agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

Members were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any items on the agenda and to state the nature of the interest.

No such declerations were made.

Following the most recent Committee meeting the Constituency Manager received a referral (from a member of the public who had been in attendance) highlighting the difficulty in hearing some of the discussions when microphones were not used by all Committee Members.

The Chair informed the Committee that, following the previous Committee held 6 June a referral was made by a member of the public to the Constituency Manager highlighting difficulties members of the audience had experienced in hearing due to microphones not being used appropriately by Committee Members

Members of the Committee were reminded to use microphones at all time.

Apologies were received from:

Councillors:  A Hodson,

K Hodson,

C Povall,

D Mitchell

Community Representatives:  Kevin Sutton

Mal Wright

Richard Clarke ( Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service)

To confirm the Minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 6 June 2016 as a correct record.  (Attached)

Mr Ray Squire, Community Representative (Heswall), expressed his dissatisfaction that a round of applause had not been recorded following the submission of the Community Representatives Report, despite this having been recorded under minute 5 ( Support so Far Impact Video), whereby Members had expressed their support through a round of applause.

RESOLVED :

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 6 June 2016 be amended as above and confirmed as a correct record

Ritchie Clarke - Station Manager to report.

It was noted that the Committee would not be receiving an update from the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service as the Station Manager could not be in attendance at the meeting due to him having been called out to an incident.

The Constituency Manager, on behalf of Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service requested that, leading up to bonfire night, waste should be put out the morning of collection, or as late as possible the night before. He also asked that combustible material be disposed of correctly prior to the bonfire period.

The Constituency Manager then advised that if residents require removal of combustible material they believe is being placed on a public space to be used as a bonfire.

Neighbourhood Inspector Katie Wilkinson to report.

Kate Wilkinson, the Neighbourhood Inspector was in attendance at the meeting and provided the Committee with an presentation on key issues and priorities within the Wirral South Area.

Members were informed that an imminent force re-structure could affect local policing. It was explained that staff at Bromborough will merge with staff at Birkenhead and will be based out of Bebington Police Station. The Police will be separated into functions rather than areas. The Neighbourhood Inspector advised that she would remain within local policing.

The Neighbourhood Inspector then provided a verbal position statement on crimes and anti-social behaviour in Wirral South. This included:

·  A number of young people who had previously been involved with ASB at The Oval and New Ferry had now been dealt with accordingly.

·  There is an emerging issue of ASB in the New Ferry area and there is a lack of community based support work. Volunteers are sought to assist with issues and anyone interested should contact Kate Wilkinson.

·  There has been a dramatic increase in burglaries in Spital. Local Police Officer have worked alongside the Neighbourhood watch members and it had been identified that in the majority of cases, burglaries had occurred in unsecured properties.

·  There has been concern raised over young people throwing items from a bridge, located on the A41 ( New Ferry Bypass). An incident had occurred whereby an object had been dropped onto a vehicle of a woman who has 7 months pregnant. A press release had been issued to appeal for witnesses, however, there had been little feedback received. A 4G camera had now been installed as a deterrent.

·  During the meeting of the previous Constituency Committee it was identified that there had been a spike in burglaries in Community Based Centres. Members were informed that CSO’s had visited affected premises and as a result there had been a reduction.

·  ASB had reduced by 6%, however some concerns were raised regarding the methods in which ASB was being reported. On occasion, residents had contacted their Councillor or MP to report incidents but had not notified the Police. Members and residents were urged to always report to Police so hotspots can be identified.

Questions and Answers

Councillor Jerry Williams enquired as to why issues still remained in getting through to the 101 call centre. He advised the Committee that it had taken 20 minutes for his call to be answered.

Inspector Wilkinson informed that she was aware of the issues and had spoken to the Call and Response Team, based in Liverpool. She informed the Committee that over 75% of calls are answered within a minute and some work is being conducted around exploring ‘demand times’ to consider the structure of the call centre. It was explained that if the nature of the call meant that an Officer did not need to be deployed, then the crime must be accurately recorded, thus adding to call times.  She explained that this is a national issue and has been raised at Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To receive a presentation from the Gift Network to update the Committee on Wirral South’s bespoke Social Isolation contract.

Jenni Moss & Ola Rug, GIFT Coordinators, Cathrina Moore, Chapel House DRC and Caroline Huyton, Project Manager were in attendance at the meeting to update Members on Wirral South’s bespoke Social Isolation Contract.

GIFT Coordinators explained that the main key objectives of the Gift Network were to:

·  Reduce social isolation and impact of loneliness

·  Identify gaps in community services

·  Facilitate and support community groups both new and existing.

Members heard how GIFT provides engagement, one to one support and involvement for people at high risk of isolation including: older people, people from black and ethnic minorities, people who have substance misuse problems, people with mental health issues and carers.

GIFT Coordinators then provided Members with information about the GIFT journey and set out work conducted so far in order to engage people. Members heard how there had been 20+ meetings with local groups and forums where GIFT had been introduced and promoted. They also heard how there had been collaboration with key referral agencies including the NHS. Members were informed that various events had been coordinated including a Welcome Day, Dementia UK Fundraiser, monthly lunches, coffee mornings and social event at the Singing Café in the church of the Goodshephard, Heswall.

Members were advised about the distinctions between social isolation and loneliness and were provided with information about how loneliness could be understood.

GIFT Coordinators then informed the Committee that the total beneficiary referrals in contact with GIFT was 27 + 6 out of areas in the period from May – Sept 2016. Members were further informed that GIFT were able to engage with 24 beneficiaries in Wirral South and that top referral agencies were: Wired, Community Mental Health Nurses, GP Birchwood Detox Centre, Admiral Nurses and Magenta Housing. Case studies were set out to Members to explain how individuals had engaged with the project

Councillor Les Rowlands expressed his support for the Project and informed the Committee that during his time spent as Mayor (May 15 – May16), it had been one of his themes to highlight loneliness and social isolation. He reiterated to the Committee that loneliness and social isolation affects young people as well as the elderly.

A member of the audience asked GIFT Coordinators as to whether the charity had any existing links with Age UK. In response, the resident was informed that meetings had taken place with Age UK and links would continue.

In response to a question from a member of the audience it was explained that part of the existing contract involved assisting local groups. They also informed Members about close links to the ABCD initiative, (Asset Based Community Development )

RESOLVED:

That representatives present from GIFT be thanked for their presentation and attendance at the meeting.

To receive a presentation by Richard James (AECOM).

Representatives from the Council, United Utilities and the Environment Agency will also be available to respond to any questions raised.

The Committee considered a presentation introduced by Mark Camborne, Head of Corporate & Community Safety and led by Mr Richard James, Flood Risk Consultant AECOM. The presentation updated Members on the findings of the Flood and Water Management Act, Section 19 Flood investigation which covered the flood events from 22^nd August 2015 to 2^nd September 2015.

Members were advised that a significant amount of data was collected through consultation with multiple organisations, stakeholders and members of the public. Members were then informed that the data was used to identify ‘hotspots’, where clusters of reports could indicate a common problem or flooding mechanism for example: main river flooding, sewer blockages or capacity issues, surface water ponding; and, combined flooding mechanisms. Maps were provided to demonstrate hotspots in Wirral.

The Flood Risk Consultant set out key these identified as follows:

·  Limited warning

·  Rapid onset of flooding over a very large area

·  Information about the scale and severity of the flooding was slow to reach key decision makers

·  Lines of communication with the public were challenged

·  The authority response was impacted by the gradual exchange of information and limited resources.

Members were informed that the Section 19 Flood Investigation made multiple recommendations, including:

·  Developing a Multi- Agency Severe Weather Plan for Wirral

·  Developing integrated catchment models

·  Developing information capture and rapid sharing capability

·  Promoting and fostering community resilience to repeat events through the provision of resources and partnership working with local communities.

The importance of community resilience was then explained to the Committee and the details of a flood survey was demonstrated to Members.

In Summary, Mr James concluded to Members that the Section 19 Flood Investigation had made recommendations to improve communications and resilience of the communities at risk. He also informed Members that a full report is available on the Wirral Council website.

Councillor Muspratt drew attention to Ackers Road, Bebington an area that continues to be flooded.

Mark Camborne responded by explaining that a site visit had taken place to the area and although this road had not specifically been mentioned in the Section 19 report, every property affected had been considered.

Councillors J Williams and W Smith also expressed their concern for the flooding occurring in the Ackers Road area. Councillor W Smith also drew attention to Wirral Grammar School for Girls, an area which also experiences flooding on a regular basis.

A Member of the audience expressed concerns surrounding the potential for the River Birkett and Fender to overflow. A question was asked about the effectiveness of the associated pumping stations and it was explained that as, part of the Section 19 report this would be investigated.

RESOLVED:

That Members note the contents of the report.

Report of the Constituency Manager – Fergus Adams (attached).

The Constituency Manager introduced his progress report to update Members on resolved priorities and allocated budget for Wirral South Constituency Committee in 2015/16 and beyond.

The Committee were informed that, in respect of the Open Spaces initiative and since the last Constituency Committee, Dawstone Park had been awarded its green flag. Members of the Committee, alongside respective friends groups were praised for their efforts. Members were advised that the two locations of focus for the WSCC for 2016/17 and 2017/18 are Torr Park Eastham and New Ferry Park.

The Committee noted the successful provider for the Wirral South One to One Counselling Service had now been in place since May 2016 and that ‘Response’ are currently delivering the following sessions:

·  Eastham Youth Hub: Friday 6pm-9pm

·  Heswall Community Library & One Stop Shop: Thursday 2pm – 5pm

·  Bebington Youth Club: Thursday 6pm – 9pm

Members further noted that the new service is fully subscribed and has a small waiting list in Eastham. The Constituency Manager informed the Committee that prior to this WSCC specific service young people would have been placed on a much longer Wirral wide waiting list and it would have been necessary for them to travel to Birkenhead for appointments. The table below demonstrated to Members, the number of young people who had engaged with the service up until the writing of the report.

It was then reported that the National Citizenship Service (NCS) is a programme aimed at 15 to 17 year olds enabling them to embark on exhilarating challenges and build skills for work and life. Members heard how

engagement in the NCS requires a sign-up fee of £20 - £50 ( depending on the applicant’s financial circumstances). The Committee were informed that the Wirral South budget for gaps in youth provision has a £3,097 projected underspend for 2016/17 and a proposal was set out to utilise the underspend to offer a bursary to young people from deprived areas in Wirral South which would cover:

·  Initial sign up fee

·  An agreed list of essential kit for residential elements

·  Access to public transport for a 2 week period during social action element.

The Constituency Manager then informed the Committee that on 13 July 2016 Cabinet agreed to an allocation of £130,000 to the Constituency Committees (£32,500 per constituency) It was explained that schemes will need to be in line with priorities and contribute to the delivery of the Transport Plan for Growth ( minute 34 refers). Members were informed that the Wirral South Transport for Growth Fund Task & Finish Group had met on Tuesday 20 September to discuss the funding and agree their approach. Appendix one of the report included the minutes and action points from the meeting.

The Constituency Manager further reported that a meeting of the Wirral South Constituency Plan Task and Finish group had met  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To consider a report detailing issues experienced by communities throughout Wirral South on a ward by ward basis.  These issues have been collated by the Wirral South Community Representatives and compiled by the Engagement Officer into the attached report.  This report is a standing item on the Committee’s agenda.

A report by the Constituency Manager, on behalf of Wirral South Community Representatives (com rep) updated Members on work programme progress to date and highlighted particular issues experienced by the communities within the five wards of Wirral South Constituency.

Peter Wright, Community Representative provided a verbal update on progress to date, work undertaken and future priorities.

Some concern was raised by com reps regarding the content of the report and it was explained that a meeting would be held with the Constituency Manager and Legal Advisor to discuss this.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  further exploration work takes place into how com reps can add value to the existing Wirral South specific approach to addressing social isolation. A detailed proposal to be developed via the existing constituency plan task and finish group and presented to the WSCC on 2 February 2017;

(2)  the current cohort of community representatives be appointed as members of the Wirral South Constituency Committee from 15 October 2016 to 15 October 2017;

(3)  meetings between community representatives and officers be continued on a quarterly basis taking place as close to four weeks before the WSCC meetings as practicably possible;

(4)  the WSCC handbook be urgently reviewed by a Task and Finish Group; and

(5)  theClatterbridge Ward team meetings take place as soon as possible.

The Wirral Plan:  A 2020 Vision provides the joint partnership strategic planning framework to improve outcomes for Wirral residents over a five year period.  It outlines 20 Pledges to residents based around the three themes of People, Business and Environment.

The attached report provides the Wirral Plan Overview Report which describes performance at Quarter 1 (April to June 2016).  It is focused on high level population measures which describe progress towards making a difference to the lives of Wirral residents.

A Report by the Constituency Manager updated Members on performance at Quarter 1 (April to June 2016). The report summarised performance highlights and delivery of outcomes for residents.

RESOLVED That:

Members note the content of the report and its associated progress

Vicki Shaw, Legal Advisor to the Constituency Committee informed Members that there had been some work undertaken corporately to address the criteria for staff and elected Members to be DBS checked. She explained that, at present, the criteria for warranting a DBS check had not been met for Committee Members

Councillor Muspratt expressed her concerns over DBS checks not currently being a requirement for elected Members and suggested that an analysis is undertaken on the role of a Councillor to identify occasions they had come into contact with vulnerable children and adults.

Councillor Carubia also expressed concerns and expressed support on behalf of the Committee in its entirety for Councillors to be DBS checked.

RESOLVED That:

Members record their willingness to be DBS checked.

Although it is possible to forward pre-notified questions to the Constituency Manager in advance of this meeting, questions can also be asked on the night, via the Chair.  All questions will be collated and dealt with in turn by the Chair.

No questions were asked.

The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held at 6pm on Thursday, 2 February 2017 in a venue to be arranged.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Committee had been advertised as taking place at 6pm, 2 February 2017, Heswall Hall