In the past week, Barnsley Council held two meetings: the Cabinet on Wednesday and the Audit and Governance Committee on the same day. Below, I will focus on the most impactful discussions from the Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, covered several significant topics. Here are the key points:

Adult Social Care Fee Uplift

One of the most crucial discussions was about the council's plan to increase fees for providing care starting in April 2024. The report detailed the percentage uplifts for various types of care, including residential care, home care, supported living, direct payments, and shared lives. This move aims to support the sustainability of care provision and address cost-of-living pressures while enhancing pay for care workers in Barnsley.

These fee uplifts support the ongoing sustainability of care provision, acknowledging all businesses' cost of living pressures while emphasizing our commitment to enhancing pay for care workers in Barnsley. — Report Presentation

The budget for these fee increases is outlined in the medium-term financial strategy, ensuring Barnsley's ability to maintain high-quality care across the adult care market. Additionally, the council plans to utilize a £5.4 million grant for sustainability and improvement initiatives.

Integrated Quality Team

Councillor Wendy highlighted the introduction of an integrated quality team that will work closely with the independent care sector. This team aims to ensure the public receives good quality care, which will be a priority for the council during 2024-2025.

The continuing development of that quality team will be a priority for us during 24/25. — Councillor Wendy

Information and Advice Plan

Councillor Howard raised a question about providing advice to individuals applying for care, including information on benefits like carer's allowance. The council confirmed that they offer extensive advice and connect individuals with advocacy organizations such as Dial Barnsley. They are also reviewing their information and advice offer to strengthen their support in this area.

Yorkshire Purchasing Organization (YPO) Management Agreement

The Cabinet also discussed proposed changes to the YPO management agreement. YPO operates under a joint committee of 13 original founder member local authorities, including Barnsley. The proposed changes result from a review by a working group of strategic officers and founder member authorities. The amendments do not affect voting rights or strategic influence but emphasize the role of the audit and governance subcommittee in scrutinizing risk and governance issues.

The main thing is our influence stroke rights within this have not changed as a result of this, so members can take some comfort from that. — Meeting Discussion

Goldthorpe Housing Project

The Cabinet approved a resolution to make a compulsory purchase order to facilitate the Goldthorpe Housing Project. This decision follows investigations that identified areas with unknown or restricted land ownership. The council aims to support tenants, owners, occupiers, and landlords throughout this process.

Implications

The decision to increase fees for adult social care reflects the council's commitment to sustaining high-quality care and addressing economic pressures. The introduction of an integrated quality team and the review of the information and advice plan highlight ongoing efforts to improve care services and support for residents. The changes to the YPO management agreement ensure continued effective governance and risk management. Finally, the compulsory purchase order for the Goldthorpe Housing Project aims to advance redevelopment efforts, potentially benefiting the local community.

This email covers the most impactful discussions from the Cabinet meeting. For more details on the other meetings held this week, you can visit the provided links.

In the past week, Barnsley Council held four meetings: the Goldthorpe Town Deal Board on Thursday, the Central Area Council on Wednesday, the Full Council on Thursday, and the North East Area Council on Thursday. Below, I will focus on the most impactful discussions from the Full Council meeting.

Full Council Meeting

The Full Council meeting on Thursday, 23 May 2024, covered several significant topics. Here are the key points:

Two-Child Benefit Cap

The most notable discussion was about the two-child benefit cap on Universal Credit. Councillors Hannah Kitching and Steve Hunt strongly opposed the policy, describing it as cruel and unnecessary and highlighting its impact on child poverty and the trauma it causes to victims of rape who must relive their experiences to claim exemptions. They also criticized Labour leader Keir Starmer for not committing to scrapping the policy. Councillor Caroline Makinson proposed an amendment to consider scrapping the cap when finances allow, which was accepted. The motion passed, urging both the government and the Labour Party to prioritize ending the cap.

This policy is cruel and unnecessary, pushing children into poverty and forcing victims of rape to relive their trauma to claim exemptions. — Councillor Hannah Kitching

External Auditor's Report

Councillor Alan Frost provided an update on the external auditor's report, confirming that Barnsley Council's arrangements for delivering value-for-money services are sound. The auditor examined financial sustainability, governance, and economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, finding no weaknesses.

Committee Reports

Several committee reports were approved, including those from the General Licensing Regulatory Board, Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and various Area Councils. Notable discussions included:

• South Area Council: Councillor Osborne highlighted the work of the Adult Skills and Community Learning Service, emphasizing the importance of skills for future opportunities in Barnsley.
• Community Clean-Up Events: Councillor Frost and Councillor Interjecting praised community efforts in cleaning up areas like Wombwell Woods and Brampton Canal, organized by Andrea Walker.

Questions and Answers

Councillors raised several questions, including:

• Hospital Park and Ride Feasibility Study: Councillor Fielding asked about the publication of the study. Councillor Higginbotham responded that the report is complete and will go through internal governance before being released.
• Damage to Grass Verges: Councillor Borkock inquired about damage caused by vehicles. Councillor Higginbotham referred to a previous response, emphasizing the need for community cooperation.
• Wildflower Areas: Councillor Fielding questioned the state of the wildflower area in Penny Pie Park. Councillor Higginbotham listed the diverse plant species present and explained the maintenance strategy.
• Safety at Doddath High Street Crossroads: Councillor Fielding expressed concerns about safety. Councillor Higginbotham explained that the site does not meet the criteria for immediate road safety measures based on collision data.

Other Business

• South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner: Councillor Hunt criticized Mayor Oliver Coppard for canceling a meeting, delaying scrutiny of his role as Police and Crime Commissioner.
• South Yorkshire Pensions Authority and Fire and Rescue Authority: No comments were made on these items.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote on the amended motion regarding the two-child benefit cap. The Mayor thanked everyone for their participation and closed the meeting.

Implications

The decision to urge the government and the Labour Party to end the two-child benefit cap could have significant implications for families in Barnsley, potentially reducing child poverty if the policy is eventually scrapped. The external auditor's positive report reinforces the council's commitment to financial sustainability and effective governance. The focus on community clean-up events and adult skills development highlights ongoing efforts to improve local environments and future job prospects.

This email covers the most impactful discussions from the Full Council meeting. For more details on the other meetings held this week, you can visit the provided links.