Issue - meetings

The Panel is invited to receive and comment on the Priority One Delivery Update Report for Quarter 1.

Executive Councillor: Councillor B Pitt

19:09 Councillor Alban entered the meeting.

By means of a report and presentation by the Corporate Director People (copies of which were appended in the Minute Book) the Priority One Delivery Update Quarter One Report was presented to the Panel.

Following a question from Councillor Lowe, the Panel heard that there were lots of activities and agencies engaging with the local communities to address loneliness within elderly residents. It was further observed that the Warm Spaces Hubs which the Council had initiated within communities were now self funding and played a part in addressing this issue.

In response to a question from Councillor Tevlin, the Panel were advised that the Council was working with neighbouring authorities and agencies to benefit from shared experiences. It was further advised that the Community Chest fund could help to establish a community hub and that the team would then work with the community to establish their long term vision and signpost towards available funding to enable that.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Hassall in relation to the work and fit note grant, that there was funding available across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and that it was anticipated this would be over several years. The Council would be looking to work with partners to ensure that the money be spent correctly in supporting residents and that barriers to employment be removed to ensure that the right opportunities be available to the right people.

Following a question from Councillor Hunt, the Panel heard that the Citizens Advice Bureau moved to Pathfinder House in July and that this had created an empty office space within Eastfield House which had not yet been filled.

In response to an enquiry from Councillor Bywater on the numbers of residents successfully completing the ESCAPE pain programme, the Panel heard that these were extensive sessions with small cohorts, work was ongoing with local GPs to ensure that the right residents are benefitting from these programmes and that they deliver the most effective outcomes. It was also noted that work was being undertaken to support veterans within the district and that further details on this would be added to a future report.

Following several questions from Councillor Alban, the Panel heard that colleagues from the Primary Care Network were located at the Pathfinder House site and this was a huge benefit to partnership working. The Panel also heard that whilst the team were aware of the opportunities to advertise within local community magazines, the message could often be lost within them and so focus was directed towards there being one point of contact who could signpost residents to the most appropriate service.

In response to a query from Councillor Hassall, the Panel heard that the Council strives to signpost the community and voluntary sectors to appropriate funding to ensure the longevity of projects.