Agenda and draft minutes

Venue: Council Chamber

Contact: Jenny Martin 

Items
No. Item

292.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillors D Brocklehurst and S O’Rourke

 

Apologies for absence were also received from M Howells of Salesbury PC, L Kelly of Rimington PC, Steven Houghton of Wiswell PC, G Mason of Ribchester PC and Waddington PC

293.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting pdf icon PDF 65 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 February 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

294.

Declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable and non registrable interests

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest in respect of matters contained in the agenda.

 

Minutes:

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests.

295.

Public participation

Minutes:

There was no public participation.

296.

Presentation by Alyson Barnes - Homewise

Minutes:

Allyson advised that Homewise is a home improvement agency whose aim is to help older people and those with disabilities/vulnerabilities to improve and adapt their homes so that they can remain living there. 

 

Alyson outlined the variety of services that Homewise offer:

 

·       They primarily focus on affordable warmth activities and emergency repairs to properties.  A lot of work takes place repairing/replacing windows, doors and boilers and improving the comfort levels in homes.  Homewise’s largest contractor is Lancashire County Council, who they currently have a contract with to carry out minor aids and adaptations.  This is due for re-tender early next year.

 

·       A handy person service is available for over 65’s which is focused on small jobs in the house e.g. putting up curtain rails or shelving.  There is a charge of £12 per hour and Homewise use their own workforce for this service.

 

·       A repairs support assistance for services that would generally take a few hours e.g. new cupboards fitting.  There is a charge of £30 plus VAT per hour, plus the cost of materials.

 

·       Their Memory Matters scheme supports people living with memory loss stay safe and independent in their home.  A detailed assessment is carried out as to a person’s needs and recommendations are made for what is required e.g. falls sensors, pill dispensers, external rails, night lights etc.  It was noted that Homewise does not require a medical diagnosis in order to provide support and assistance. 

 

·       They can recommend reputable tradesmen and they sell new/nearly new equipment.

 

 

Alyson further outlined Homewise’s funding streams and how they utilise grant monies.

 

Further details as to the services that Homewise offer can be found at: http://homewiseonline.org/

They can also be contacted by:

Telephone: 01254 232249

Email: info@homewisesociety.org.uk

297.

Reference from other Committees

298a

From Community Services Committee - Waste Regulations Implementation - Update pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Community Services submitted a report providing Committee with an update on the implementation of waste reforms and the response received from Lancashire County Council regarding future proposed disposal methods and the implications of this for Ribble Valley.

 

Further clarification had been received from Lancashire County Council which provided clarity in order to design the future service. Officers were working on a comprehensive action plan to establish the best future model and how this could be implemented.

 

In response to a query from J Hampson of Simonstone Parish Council, the Head of Cultural and Leisure Services advised that a part of the ongoing review, consideration will be given to paper recycling and the method in which it is collected.

 

Queries were also raised as to whether the Recycling Centre at Henthorn, Clitheroe is going to be relocated and whether a discussion could take place surrounding this.  Committee was advised that such questions would need to be asked of Lancashire County Council as the responsible authority.

 

 

298b

From Community Services Committee - Active Villages pdf icon PDF 69 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Community Services submitted a report providing Committee with an update on progress with the Active Village initiative which was part of the Together an Active Future (TaAF) themed work.

 

Committee was advised of the background to the initiative and were given details of the investment by Sport England in the Local Delivery Pilots. A lot of work has been done relating to rural activities, engaging with the farming community and working with the Community Volunteer Service in terms of establishing networks.

 

It was noted that in the Ribble Valley, the work was making a difference to resident’s quality of life and the work over the next 18 months would focus on ensuring that the gains made to date in the villages was sustainable and continued to grow.

299.

Matters brought forward by Parish Councils

299a

LALC - Ribble Valley Area Committee

Verbal Presentation from Mike Hill

Minutes:

It was noted that Ribble Valley haven’t had a Lancashire Association of Local Councils (LALC) for over ten years but it was resurrected in February 2024.  The following positions have now been filled:

 

Mike Hill – Chair

Stephen Houghton – Vice Chair

Grear Norse – Secretary

Richard Vickers, Mike Hill, Stephen Houghton and Jacqueline Hampson – Area Representatives (to attend meetings of the LALC Executive)

 

Around thirty Parish Councils in the Ribble Valley pay an annual subscription to LALC and this allows them to have three representatives (one of which can be the Clerk) to attend the LALC Area Committee meetings and to speak and vote.  Attendance at the last meeting had been low and Mike wanted to encourage people to attend and participate in future meetings.

 

The role of the Area Committees was outlined:

 

-        To assist Parish Councils in the performance of their duties

-        To promote good local government

-        To make recommendations to other agencies

-        To make recommendations to individual parish or town councils within the Committee’s area

-        To liaise with relevant higher authorities

-        To provide a forum for discussion on matters of common interest e.g. Climate and Nature Action, Housing & Planning and HARP

 

The next Area Committee is taking place on 24 October 2024 at 6:30pm at Read and Simonstone Village Hall.

 

It was noted that if Parish Councils worked together, in whatever areas they choose to focus, they can have a voice and maybe make a difference.

 

Other matters raised were:

 

·       A request for training from RVBC for Parish Councils in relation to planning issues.

 

·       A request for information at the next Committee regarding local government change and the impact that this may have on Parish Councils.

 

·       A reminder that there will be a torchlight walking procession in Clitheroe on 5 October 2024 at 7:30pm to commemorate 50 years of Clitheroe Town Council.

 

·       A reminder for those Parish Councils who have secured funding through the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) that they need to ensure that the projects progress and that claims are submitted.  RVBC need to ensure that final payments are made no later than 31 March 2024.

 

·       Christmas lights funding applications need to be made by 30th September 2024.

 

·       Councillor T Austin emphasised the continuing value of Luncheon Clubs around the Ribble Valley, particularly in light of the winter fuel payments being stopped.  He hoped that perhaps consideration could be given to additional clubs being set up in the area and existing clubs opening for a little longer.

 

 

 

 

 

300.

Date and time of next meeting

Minutes:

The Chairman informed the Committee that the next meeting would be on 7 November 2024 at 6.30pm.