Minutes Community Safety and Culture Cabinet Panel 29.4.10

MEMORANDUM17/11/2018

______

To: All Members of the Panel
J Boulter, J Draycon, S Charteris,
J Mills, R Wilsher, S Pickup,
G Pratt, G Ray, J Harris,
G Wood, D Knight,
A Hawkins, J Holmes, B Gale / From:Legal and Member Services
Ask for:Elaine Gibson
Ext:25469
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COMMUNITY SAFETY AND CULTURE CABINET PANEL

29 APRIL 2010

M I N U T E S

ATTENDANCE
MEMBERS OF THE PANEL

D Andrews, C L Berry, M Bright, K F Emsall (Chairman), W E Eynon, P V Goggins,

S M Holmes, C A Mitchell (substitute for T W Hone), A Oaten, P A Ruffles,

J W A Usher, C B Wyatt-Lowe,

Upon consideration of the agenda for the Community SafetyCabinet Panel meeting on 29 April 2010 as circulated, copy annexed, conclusions were reached and are recorded below.

Note: No declarations of interest were made by any member of the Panel in relation to the matters considered at this meeting.

PART 1

ACTION
1. / MINUTES
1.1 / The minutes from the meeting on 11 March 2010 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
2.
2.1 / PUBLIC PETITIONS
There were none.
3. / TELL US ONCE PROGRAMME
Officer Contact: Steve Charteris Tel: 01707 897375
3.1
3.2 / The Panel received a report which provided information on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Tell Us Once programme. The report outlined the process by which members of the public need tell the Government only once about a birth or death. The information would then be passed on to relevant government departments.
The programme had been piloted in 15 local authorities since 2008 and would be rolled-out nationally from July 2010.
Members discussed how the programme would provide a more streamlined process for members of the public, particularly the bereaved. Tell Us Once would help avoid duplication, reduce risk of fraud or error and return potential savings from improved efficiency.
3.3 / Conclusion
The Panel noted and endorsed proposals to bring in the Tell Us Once programme in Hertfordshire.
4. / DRUGS SYSTEMS CHANGE PILOT
Officer Contact: Brian Gale Tel: 01438 843537
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4 / The Panel considered a report which provided an update on the first year of the two-year Drugs System Change Pilot. The Pilot tests the delivery of innovative approaches to drug treatment and social reintegration in Hertfordshire, through a whole system change approach. The report highlighted some new initiatives that would be developed during the second your of the pilot.
There was discussion on ‘Through the Gates’, a scheme that arranged for prisoners to be met and brought back to Hertfordshire (as their home county) in order to safeguard them from immediate risks faced on release ( e.g. falling prey to drug dealers or re-offending).
Members also considered the need for benefits to be set up and be effective from the date of release, so that people had access to money straight away.
Members discussed drug interventions and treatment programmes that were available, particularly those that were tailored for people with learning difficulties or mental health problems (for example, services commissioned by the Joint Commissioning Team at Farnham House). The Panel noted that the ‘Changing Lanes’ project had proved to be particularlysuccessful, with clients staying in treatment for a full 12 weeks, and with a number having gone on to voluntary work, paid employment or college courses.
4.5 / (i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv) / Conclusion
The Panel:
noted the success of the pilot so far;
supported the continuation of the Drugs System Change beyond the completion of the pilot in March 2011, and endorsed the Drug Systems Change initiative’s aim to deliver a comprehensive range of interventions;
looked forward to receiving reports in future on further development of the project;
expressed support for proposals to improve the system of benefit payments to released prisoners.
5. / SKILLS FUNDING AGENCY
Officer Contact: Jane Rouse Tel: 01992 555482
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4 / Glenda Wood, Head of Libraries, Culture and Learning, introduced this item with an explanation of how the Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service (HAFLS) forms part of the Libraries Culture and Learning portfolio in Children’s Schools and Families (CSF).
HAFLS commissions informal adult learning which is then delivered by a range of learning providers including libraries, colleges and voluntary and community organisations. Although HAFLS sits within ‘Culture’ it has strong links with the work of the Education and Skills Cabinet Panel.
Members received a report which provided information on the new Skills Funding Agency (SFA) which came into being on 1 April 2010, replacing the Learning and Skills Council, which now ceased to exist.
The Panel considered ways in which Hertfordshire County Council proposed to respond to taking on the role of Lead Accountable Body. This involved assuming responsibility for some of the planning functions previously undertaken by the Learning and Skills Council.
5.5 / (i)
(ii)
(iii) / Conclusion
That the Panel:
supported the proposed response to the requirements of the Skills Funding Agency as outlined in the report;
endorsed proposals for assuming responsibility as Lead Accountable Body;
asked to receive reports in future where the work related to the Panel’s remit, and that the Education and Skills Cabinet Panel receive any other appropriate reports.
6. / BIG LOTTERY FUND: SOUTH OXHEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY PROJECT
Officer Contact: Andrew Bignell Tel: 01707 281531
6.1
6.2 / The Panel considered a report which provided information on the South Oxhey Community Library Project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.
Members discussed the success that had been achieved in opening up the library as a centre for community learning and which also offered other activities such as health and well-being sessions.
6.3 / (i)
(ii) / Conclusion
The Panel:
noted the report and expressed satisfaction with the success that had been achieved in South Oxhey;
congratulated Andrew Bignell and thanked him for all his work in drawing up the submission that brought in the funding for this project. Thanks were also extended to Marie Staunton, District Librarian.
7. / PUBLIC LIBRARY USER SURVEY (PLUS) 2009
Officer Contact: Derek Knight Tel: 01707 281541
7.1
7.2 / The Panel received a report which provided a summary of the Adult Public Library User Survey (PLUS) report carried out in November 2009which covered 23 libraries. This survey was one of a range of consultation methods used to measure customer feedback. The use of PLUS methodology was currently under review as it no longer provided national benchmarking information.
Members noted that there had been a very good response rate to the survey (over 7000 completed questionnaires) and
results had shown that there had been a significant increase in satisfaction on opening hours since the last PLUS survey in 2006.
7.3 / Conclusion
The Panel noted the report.
8. / LIBRARIES PROPERTY UPDATE
Officer Contact: Jean Holmes Tel: 01707 281594
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4 / Members received an update on progress of libraries identified in the Libraries for the 21st Century Vision and other library property projects, including those funded through S106 monies.
The Panel noted that the Central Resources Library must vacate the New Barnfield site by November 2011 and that work was in progress on submission of a planning application for premises at Broadwater Road, Welwyn Garden City.
In response to a question from the local Member officers would check on progress with the planning application going through for Borehamwood library and would report directly back to the Member.
Members also discussed Potters Bar/Oakmere and noted that officers were in contact with the Chief Executive of Hertsmere Council about future plans for library accommodation. Progress on this would be included in future reports to the Panel. / Action:
J Holmes
8.5 / Conclusion
Progress with the Libraries for 21st Century was noted.
9. / OTHER PART I BUSINESS
The Chairman reported that Elaine Gibson would be moving to a new job in Members' Secretariat, and on behalf of the Panel, thanked her for the help and support she had given to the Members as Panel Administrator.

Kathryn Pettitt

Chief Legal Officer

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